Liver Transplantation: A Right or a Privilege? Sustainable Liver Transplant Financing With an Innovative Model for the Developing World

Abstract

Living donor liver transplant in addition to its lifesaving therapy is a cost-effective alternate to long-term disease management in patients with chronic liver disease. Financial constraint is the biggest hurdle faced by patients in developing countries in availing the liver transplantation. So, we conducted this study to report a government-funded financial support system for liver transplant services. A total of 198 patients who underwent living donor liver transplant with at least 90 days follow-up were included in the study. According to proxy means test score, 52.2% patients were from low and middle socioeconomic groups and 64.6% of patients underwent liver transplantation through government support. Out of 198 patients who underwent liver transplantation 29.6% had monthly income below 25,000 Pakistani rupees ($114). In recipients, 90-day mortality was 7.1% and morbidity was 67.1%. Donor morbidity was 23.2% without any mortality. This financial model can serve as a valuable source for middle and low income group countries to overcome the financial challenge and make liver transplant an accessible, affordable, and economically viable option.