India has become one of the world’s leading destinations for advanced heart transplant surgery thanks to its experienced cardiothoracic surgeons, modern hospitals, affordable costs, and high survival rates. With more than 60+ certified heart transplant centers and some of the best cardiac specialists in Asia, India offers world-class treatment for domestic and international patients.
This article covers the Top Heart Transplant Hospitals in India, surgery success rates, eligibility, prices, waiting time, donor system, and everything you need to know before choosing India for a heart transplant.
⭐ Why India Is One of the Best Countries for Heart Transplant Surgery
✔ Highly Experienced Heart Surgeons
India has some of the best cardiothoracic surgeons globally with decades of transplant experience.
✔ Affordable Cost (1/10th of Western countries)
India offers world-class care at much lower prices.
✔ Advanced Hospital Technology
Most heart transplant centers use robotic surgery tools, ECMO, LVAD, hybrid ORs, and 3D imaging.
✔ High Survival Rate
Indian centers follow international protocols ensuring excellent recovery rates.
✔ Large Network of Certified Hospitals
More than 60 hospitals across major cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kochi.
✔ Fast Growing Organ Donation System
NOTTO (National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization) ensures fair donor allocation.
⭐ Top Heart Transplant Hospitals in India (2025 Ranking)
(Updated, verified list)
1. Apollo Hospitals – Chennai
Most Successful Heart Transplant Hospital in India
Apollo Chennai performed India’s first successful heart transplant and remains the country’s leading transplant center.
Key Features:
- Over 200+ heart transplants
- Advanced heart failure program
- LVAD & BIVAD
- ECMO support
- Pediatric heart transplant
Why It’s #1:
- Maximum transplant volume in India
- Best long-term survival results
2. Fortis Malar Hospital – Chennai
Best for Complex Heart Failure Cases
Fortis Malar is globally known for elite cardiac surgeons and ICU excellence.
Highlights:
- Adult & pediatric heart transplant
- Artificial heart device support
- Heart-lung transplant
- Hybrid operating rooms
3. MGM Healthcare – Chennai
Best Modern Heart Transplant Center
MGM has one of Asia’s most advanced cardiac programs.
Highlights:
- High-end ICU
- LVAD, ECMO & artificial heart support
- Fast-growing transplant success
4. Gleneagles Global Health City – Chennai
Most Reliable Hospital for International Patients
Strengths:
- Adult & pediatric transplant
- Strong donor coordination team
- Excellent post-operative care
5. Narayana Health – Bangalore
Best Affordable Heart Transplant Hospital
Narayana Health is famous for offering world-class cardiac surgery at low cost.
Features:
- Experienced transplant surgeons
- LVAD program
- Pediatric heart transplant
6. Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
Best Cardiac Research & Innovation Center in India
Strong Points:
- Complex heart failure treatment
- Transplant ICU
- Multi-organ transplant options
7. AIIMS – New Delhi
Best Government Hospital for Heart Transplant
AIIMS offers high-quality treatment at subsidized rates.
Highlights:
- Best cardiac ICU in India
- Government-supported transplant program
- Highly experienced professors
8. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital – Mumbai
Best for International-Level Patient Care
Services:
- Heart transplant
- Ventricular assist device
- ECMO & advanced cardiac support
⭐ Types of Heart Transplants in India
India offers all major transplant procedures:
✔ Orthotopic Heart Transplant (Standard)
Most common and safest.
✔ Heterotopic Transplant (Piggyback)
Used when heart cannot be removed fully.
✔ Pediatric Heart Transplant
Specialized for children with congenital defects.
✔ Heart-Lung Transplant
Available only in selected hospitals like MGM, Apollo & Fortis.
✔ Mechanical Circulatory Support
- LVAD
- RVAD
- BiVAD
- Total Artificial Heart (TAH)
- ECMO support
⭐ Eligibility Criteria for Heart Transplant in India
Eligible Patients:
- End-stage heart failure
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Ischemic heart disease
- Congenital heart problems
- Severe arrhythmias
- Non-responsive to medication
Exclusion:
- Cancer
- Severe kidney/liver failure
- Active infection
- Non-compliance history
⭐ Cost of Heart Transplant in India (2025 Updated)
India is one of the world’s most affordable countries for heart transplantation.
| Procedure | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Heart Transplant | ₹15,00,000 – ₹30,00,000 (USD $18,000 – $36,000) |
| LVAD Implant | ₹25,00,000 – ₹45,00,000 |
| ECMO Support | ₹1,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 per day |
| Pre-transplant tests | ₹2,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| Post-transplant care (yearly) | ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
Internationally, these procedures cost:
🇺🇸 USA → $1 million
🇬🇧 UK → $350,000
🇨🇭 Switzerland → $600,000 – $950,000
India is 10x cheaper with global standards.
⭐ Heart Transplant Success Rates in India
India’s top hospitals have excellent survival outcomes:
| Duration | Survival Rate |
|---|---|
| 1-Year | 85–90% |
| 5-Year | 75–80% |
| 10-Year | 65–70% |
Reasons for success:
- Experienced surgeons
- Strong ICU protocol
- Modern post-transplant care
⭐ Waiting Time for Heart Transplant in India
Average waiting time depends on donor availability through NOTTO.
Typical timeline: 1–12 months
Factors influencing wait:
- Blood group
- Organ availability
- Patient’s urgency ranking
⭐ Organ Donor System in India (NOTTO, ROTTO, SOTTO)
India’s transplant network ensures ethical and transparent organ allocation.
- NOTTO – National
- ROTTO – Regional
- SOTTO – State
Priority is given based on:
- Urgency
- Compatibility
- Medical condition
⭐ Post-Transplant Care System in India
Top hospitals offer advanced recovery programs:
Includes:
- Immunosuppressive therapy
- Regular echo & blood tests
- Infection monitoring
- Physiotherapy
- Diet & lifestyle planning
- Cardiac rehab programs
- Annual health reviews
⭐ Why International Patients Choose India
✔ Affordable heart transplant packages
✔ English-speaking medical staff
✔ Modern technology
✔ High-quality ICUs
✔ Fast treatment access
✔ Strong transplant infrastructure
Patients from Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Europe frequently travel for treatment.
⭐ Conclusion
India has emerged as a global leader in heart transplant surgery, offering a perfect balance of high medical excellence, affordable prices, top survival rates, and modern technology. With experienced cardiothoracic surgeons and globally certified hospitals, India continues to provide world-class heart transplant care.
Whether it is standard transplant, pediatric surgery, or high-risk LVAD support, Indian hospitals deliver exceptional outcomes.