BENGALURU: Taking a major initiative towards expert liver care, Aster Whitefield Hospital has declared the launch of the first dedicated Liver Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Karnataka. This is a state-of-the-art facility designed only for liver failure patients, those having biliary problems, and liver transplant cases. The ICU, named SHIELD (Specialized Hepatic Intensive & Emergency Liver Division), is a state-of-the-art facility designed solely for patients with liver failure, biliary problems, and liver transplant cases. Setting the Liver-specific ICU as a real rescue for patients in critical condition, it is a confluence of renowned doctors, modern facilities, and continuous patient monitoring to provide highly specialised, multi-disciplinary care aimed at improving patient outcomes. Through this, Aster has once again shown its desire to promote islands of excellence aimed at quaternary single-organ care pathways for better results for patients with complicated liver diseases. The programme was honoured by the presence of Dr. C. N. Manjunath, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), as the Chief Guest.

Speaking ahead of the inauguration, Dr. C. N. Manjunath said, “Liver problems are turning out to be a sneaky but major health issue in India, and usually, it’s at a very severe stage when the patients are found. A liver ICU dedicated to liver care opening at Aster Whitefield Hospital is a very appropriate and great step that will enable our healthcare system to be more efficient and quicker in handling very difficult liver cases. Apart from better survival chances, specialized facilities equip the patient care to be comprehensive and in collaboration with various medical disciplines.”

Adding to this, Dr. H R S Girn, Senior Consultant – HPB and Liver Transplant surgeon, Aster Whitefield Hospital, said: “The establishment of a specialty Liver ICU represents an innovative approach in the establishment of a single point care facility for liver sick patients requiring what we call the Liver Arc services (Hepatology, ICU, Surgery, Transplantation, Luminal and radiological interventions) under one roof. A person with decompensated cirrhosis or liver failure experiences rapid changes within a short period of time. Thus, in this case, having a speciality dedicated ICU implies that all actions can be taken efficiently and effectively for the patients and their families. In turn, this provides a seamless referral and healthcare delivery pathway aimed at holistic liver care, liver-specific training for budding future specialists, and brings liver care at par with other resource-intensive single-organ dedicated ICUs like the Cardiac or Neuro ICUs, which have traditionally been the norm.  With busy lives, nuclear families, and increasing liver disease burden in the country, single organ-specific facilities under trusted brands like Aster are the need of the hour as a single point of contact resource for the patients suffering from life-threatening conditions.”

Srikant Subudhi, Chief Operating Officer, Aster Whitefield Hospital, added: “At Aster Whitefield Hospital, the core of our efforts is the creation of highly sophisticated, patient-oriented healthcare ecosystems that can effectively meet the various clinical needs of today and tomorrow. The launching of Karnataka’s first dedicated Liver ICU is a powerful indication of how we are always ready to put our money into the specialised infrastructure which is capable of dealing with the increasing complexity of liver-related diseases. Not only does this facility leverage state-of-the-art technology and a wide range of medical experts, but it also ensures continuous monitoring for better clinical results and provides easier access to specialised and high-quality treatment.“

The Liver ICU will be a collaborative endeavor by a team of highly skilled and proficient physicians, including liver transplantation surgeons, hepatologists, and gastroenterologists, as well as critical care specialists. This dedicated unit will try to fill a major void in the liver care infrastructure of Karnataka, and it will be a one-stop solution for patients to get timely, cutting-edge, and life-saving treatment.

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Despite the unimaginable grief, his wife made the courageous and selfless decision to donate all his organs, duly supported by her family and counseling team. The liver and both kidneys were retrieved and allocated by NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization), while the heart and lungs were deemed unfit for transplant. The liver was transplanted into a 61-year-old male, and one kidney into a 52-year-old male, both at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka. The second kidney was transplanted into a 59-year-old female at another private hospital in Delhi.

Dr. Shrikanth Srinivasan, Chairman, Manipal Institute of Critical Care Medicine, “Despite the best efforts of the treating team, the patient’s condition did not improve and was declared brain dead on 12^th May 2025. Despite the profound loss, the family made the courageous decision to donate his organs, offering a gift of life to those in need. Their strength and compassion in such a difficult time is truly inspiring and serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one life can have on many.”

Dr. (Col) Avnish Seth VSM, Head, Manipal Organ Sharing & Transplant (MOST), said, “Organ donation should be an essential component of end-of-life care. Only if the family is fully convinced that their loved one succumbed despite the best possible treatment, will they consider doing something for others. Trust is an important component. Transparency in the allocation of organs as per the waiting list, like it is being done in our country by NOTTO, gives a lot of confidence to the family to arrive at the correct decision. This altruistic gesture by the family has saved three lives, and this is the true spirit of humanity. He will live on.”

There remains a wide gap between patients who need transplants and the organs that are available in India. Around 1.8 lakh people suffer from kidney failure every year, however, only 13,426 kidney transplants were performed in 2023. An estimated 25,000 to 30,000 liver transplants are needed annually in India, but only 4491 were performed in 2023. Similarly, out of several thousand people suffering from heart failure, only 221 received a heart transplant. In the case of corneas, about 25,000 transplants are performed annually against a requirement of 1 lakh.

This noble act of organ donation highlights the pressing need for organ donations in India, as there is a significant disparity between patients awaiting transplants and the availability of organs. Increasing awareness and participation in organ donation can bridge this gap and offer hope to countless lives in need. 

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The inauguration of the new ICU was made possible through the generous philanthropy of Maharookh and Farrokh N Cooper of Cooper Corporation. The Coopers, esteemed philanthropists, have consistently demonstrated their commitment to healthcare advancement at Ruby Hall Clinic, contributing significantly to various initiatives, from donating ambulances to upgrading the NTU to supporting pediatric cardiac surgeries in underserved populations. In the last four years alone close to 100 children have undergone life-changing cardiac surgeries.

Farrokh N. Cooper, Chairman and Managing Director, Cooper Corporation Pvt. Ltd said, “I am honored to contribute towards the enhancement of Critical Care Services at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune. In times of need, it is crucial to strengthen our healthcare infrastructure. My heartfelt appreciation to Ruby Hall Clinic for their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional healthcare. Together, let us strive for a healthier and more resilient community.”

Dr. P.K. Grant, Chairman and Managing Trustee, of Ruby Hall Clinic said, “Ruby Hall Clinic is thankful to have individuals like the Coopers, whose unwavering commitment to philanthropy has left an indelible mark on our institution. Through their diverse and generous contributions, ranging from essential medical equipment to vital support for vulnerable populations, they have transformed the way we deliver care.”

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