When the kidneys fail, patients need dialysis or a transplant. For international patients in India, a living-donor kidney transplant is possible only with a near-relative donor whose relationship is certified by the embassy, and the hospital’s authorisation committee must approve the case.
What treatment options may your specialist discuss?
- Dialysis
- Living-related-donor kidney transplant
The law on transplants for foreign nationals
Under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules 2014, a senior official of the patient’s or donor’s embassy must certify their relationship (Form 21). Indian living donors are not considered for a foreign recipient who is not a near relative. IndiaMedica never arranges, sources or introduces donors.
What does the trip look like, stage by stage?
- 01
Before you travel
We share your reports for patient and donor, plus relationship documents for Form 21 with suitable accredited hospitals, return their written opinions and estimates, and — once you choose — arrange the hospital letter for your e-Medical visa and up to two attendant visas.
- 02
Arrival and assessment
Airport pickup, check-in near the hospital and your first consultation. The specialist team reviews your reports in person and orders any repeat tests they need before confirming the plan.
- 03
Evaluation and authorisation
Medical evaluation of patient and donor, then review by the hospital’s authorisation committee, which interviews both.
- 04
Transplant
Surgery for donor and recipient by the transplant team.
- 05
Recovery stay nearby
Frequent check-ups and medicine adjustment for both patient and donor.
- 06
Fitness to fly and home
A final review, your discharge summary, medicines and written follow-up plan. We arrange the return journey and the first teleconsultation with your treating team.
About timelines
We do not publish how many days each stage takes. That depends on your condition, your treatment and how you recover, and it is decided by your treating specialist — who sets it out in writing before you travel.
Questions patients ask
What are the treatment options for end-stage kidney disease in India?
Specialists in India may discuss: Dialysis; Living-related-donor kidney transplant. Which one suits you is a decision for your treating specialist after reviewing your reports.
Where in India is end-stage kidney disease treated?
Accredited hospitals with organ transplant programmes are concentrated in Delhi NCR, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi & Kerala and Bengaluru. We suggest hospitals based on your case, not a fixed list.
How long will I need to stay in India?
That depends on your condition, your treatment and how you recover. Your treating specialist sets it out in writing before you travel, so you can plan your visa, attendant and stay around it.
How do I start?
Send a short summary through the free case review. We reply with the reports the specialists need and a secure way to share them, then return written opinions and estimates from suitable accredited hospitals.
Planning the trip: read the India medical visa guide and how we verify hospitals.