Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], July 22 (ANI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday chaired the first governing body meeting of the Chief Minister's Organ Transplant Society to implement the newly launched Chief Minister's Organ Transplant Scheme (CMOTS) in Itanagar.

This scheme marks the expansion and relaunch of the earlier Chief Minister's Renal Replacement Scheme (CMRRS).

Since its inception, the CMRRS has successfully supported over 200 kidney transplant patients across the state in the last seven years. Building upon this success, the CMOTS broadens the scope of support to now include liver and bone marrow transplants in addition to kidney transplants.

Under the new scheme, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh will provide financial assistance up to Rs 10 lakh for Kidney Transplants, Rs 15 lakh for Bone Marrow Transplants and Rs 20 lakh for Liver Transplants.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare.

'Treatment alone isn't enough. Real progress is when people don't fall sick in the first place. We've got to change how we think about healthcare. Because a healthy society doesn't start in the operating room. It starts at home, in our communities, in how we live. That's why the Health Department must focus on prevention, not just treatment. And that means real investment in awareness, education, and lifestyle change,' Khandu said.

The launch of CMOTS signifies the State Government's continued commitment to accessible and equitable healthcare for all, ensuring critical life-saving transplants are within reach of every eligible citizen. (ANI)