Sushma expected to undergo kidney transplant next week

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is expected to undergo a kidney transplant at AIIMS in the coming week, said a source on Tuesday.

According to the hospital sources, the pre-transplant process has already been done. The source added Swaraj is completely fit to undergo the major operation.

"A number of people from across the country have come forward to donate their kidney to Sushma Swaraj. But we are most likely to use the one which has been offered by a relative," he said.

According to the doctors, a healthy person can donate his/her kidney if the other organ is functioning properly. The doctors also conduct several tests of the recipient as well as the donor to avoid co-morbidity that affects recovery. An HLA-matching test is also done to ensure there is no risk of rejection post-transplant.

The doctors also claimed that the 64-year-old outspoken politician has been undergoing treatment for diabetes and other hormonal issues at AIIMS for many years now. After she was diagnosed for kidney failure, she had been undergoing dialysis for the past six months.

Source also claimed that AIIMS has already formed a team of experts for Swaraj's treatment. They are just waiting for the clearance from the authorisation committee for the donor.

"I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure... I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless (sic)," Swaraj had tweeted in November.

Sushma, however, has been active in her office despite her illness.