Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a complex medical procedure that offers a lifeline to patients with blood-related cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and certain genetic disorders like thalassemia. In India, it's a beacon of hope for many, but the treatment costs can be frightening as it goes up along with several other factors.

Factors Affecting Cost of BMT

• Type of transplant: Autologous transplants (using the patient's own stem cells) are generally less expensive than allogeneic transplants (using donor stem cells).
• Complexity of the procedure: The severity of the underlying disease and any complications can increase costs.
• Hospital and Location: Reputed hospitals in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad tend to have higher costs compared to those in tier-2 cities.
• Pre- and Post-Transplant Care: Medications, tests, and hospital stays before and after the procedure contribute to the overall expense.

Calculating the Cost of BMT

While exact figures can vary, a general breakdown of the costs involved in BMT in India would be as of shown.

• Hospitalization: This includes room charges, nursing care, and other hospital services. Costs can range from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 30 lakhs, depending on the hospital and length of stay.
• Medical Procedures: The transplantation procedure itself, including anesthesia, surgery, and post-operative care, can cost anywhere between Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 15 lakhs.
• Medications: Post-transplant medications, including immunosuppressants to prevent rejection, can be quite expensive. This can add another Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 15 lakhs to the total cost.
• Diagnostic Tests: Various tests, including blood tests, imaging scans, and tissue typing, are essential before and after the transplant. These can cost around Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 3 lakhs.

Total Cost

Considering all these factors, the total cost of BMT in India can range from Rs. 15 lakhs to Rs. 40 lakhs or more. However, the costs may vary from cities.

Hyderabad    - Rs. 12,50,000 – Rs. 20,00,000

Bangalore      - Rs 15,00,000 to Rs 40,00,000

Delhi              - Rs 15,75,000 to Rs 42,00,000

Mumbai         - Rs 16,50,000 to Rs 44,00,000

Major Hospitals for BMT in India

• Blk-max super speciality hospital, New Delhi
• Max super speciality hospital, Saket, New Delhi
• Fortis memorial research institute, Gurgaon
• Medanta the Medicity, Gurgaon
• Artemis hospital, Gurgaon

FAQ’s

1. What is Bone Marrow Transplantation?

Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) is a medical procedure where unhealthy bone marrow is replaced with healthy bone marrow stem cells. These stem cells can develop into healthy blood cells.

2. Why is BMT performed?

BMT is primarily used to treat blood-related cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. It's also used for certain genetic disorders like thalassemia.

3. What are the Different Types of BMT?

• Autologous BMT: Uses the patient's own stem cells.
• Allogeneic BMT: Uses stem cells from a donor.

5. How Much Does BMT Cost in India?

The cost of BMT in India can vary significantly based on factors like the type of transplant, the hospital, and the city. Generally, it can range from Rs. 15 lakhs to Rs. 40 lakh or more.

6. Which are the major hospitals for BMT in India?

Several renowned hospitals in India offer BMT services. Some of the top hospitals include:

• Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
• Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon
• BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi

7. Is BMT Painful?

The actual transplant procedure is painless as it's done under anesthesia. However, there might be some discomfort during the recovery phase.

8. What are the risks involved in BMT?

Like any major surgery, BMT carries certain risks, including infection, graft-versus-host disease, and organ damage.

9. What is the success rate of BMT in India?

The success rate of BMT varies depending on the specific condition and the individual patient. However, with advancements in medical technology and experienced medical teams, the success rates in India are comparable to international standards.

10. What is the recovery time after BMT?

The recovery time after BMT can vary from a few weeks to several months. It's crucial to follow the doctor's advice and take necessary precautions to ensure a smooth recovery