Brunei Darussalam marked a significant step forward in the healthcare sector with its first ever successful liver transplant from a living donor on Saturday.
This was announced by Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) during a press conference yesterday.
The 10-hour surgery involved a 35-year-old woman who donated a portion of her liver to her 59-year-old father. Both the donor and patient are in stable condition and continue to recover.
JPMC Chief Medical Officer Dr Meera Sahib Kabeer said the achievement is more than a medical milestone. “It is a reflection of Brunei’s commitment to excellence in healthcare and a step forward in ensuring that our people receive the best possible treatment within our own borders but also provides the patient and their family with the comfort of being with both the donor and recipient during this critical time.”
He added, “This achievement will greatly reduce the cost of liver transplant procedures, which were previously done overseas, making it more accessible to the people of Brunei.”
He also highlighted, “This success would not have been possible without the continued support of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Government, which has played a vital role in strengthening the nation’s healthcare sector. We would also like to acknowledge Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar for his support, guidance and leadership in advancing medical capabilities in Brunei.” JPMC Visiting Consultant, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist Dr Taufique Ahmed, Director of Liver Transplant from AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad, India Dr P Balachandran and AIG Hospitals Vice President Santosh Kumar Sahoo were present at the press conference. – James Kon
