A uterus (uterine) transplant is an advanced surgical procedure in which a healthy uterus is transplanted into a woman who lacks a functional uterus, allowing her the possibility to carry and deliver a child. It is considered a life enhancing and usually temporary transplant, as the uterus is often removed after one or two successful pregnancies to avoid long term use of immunosuppressive medicines.
This procedure is mainly meant for women with absolute uterine factor infertility, such as those with MRKH syndrome (women born without a uterus), women who have undergone hysterectomy due to cancer, severe bleeding, or obstetric complications, and those with a severely damaged or non functional uterus. Candidates must have healthy ovaries and be medically fit, as pregnancy is achieved through IVF after transplantation.
India is among the early adopters of uterus transplantation, with a limited number of highly specialized hospitals and multidisciplinary teams capable of performing this complex procedure. These centres combine expertise in transplant surgery, reproductive medicine, and high risk obstetrics, making careful patient selection and planning crucial.
HOSPIDIO supports patients by helping them understand eligibility, compare leading uterus transplant hospitals in India, and coordinate the complete treatment journey, from medical opinions and planning to on ground support and follow up, ensuring clarity and confidence at every step.
In this blog, we spotlight the top 5 uterus transplant hospitals in India, highlighting their extremely capable teams, modern infrastructure, and patient-centric approaches that continue to set global benchmarks in organ transplantation.
What is a uterus transplant?
A uterus transplant is a surgery that gives a woman born without a uterus or who lost hers a chance to carry and deliver her own baby. It's mainly for absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI), where no uterus means no pregnancy is possible, unlike IVF (which needs a working uterus to implant embryos), surrogacy (using someone else's womb), or standard treatments like hormone pills that can't create a uterus. The process starts with checking if the woman is healthy enough overall.
A healthy uterus often comes from a living related donor, usually her mother or close family member who has finished childbearing, as this reduces rejection risks and matches better than unrelated or deceased donors. Surgery implants the uterus, connecting its blood vessels to hers; after recovery and anti-rejection medicines, embryos from prior IVF are placed inside for pregnancy, leading to a cesarean birth.
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Who needs a uterus transplant?
Women with the following conditions may need a uterus transplant:
- Congenital absence of uterus (MRKH syndrome): Women born without a functional uterus, the primary clinical indication.
- Non-functional uterus: Due to severe Asherman's syndrome, extensive scarring, or other damage preventing pregnancy.
- Post-cancer hysterectomy: Uterus removal after treatment for early-stage gynecologic cancers (e.g., cervical), with patient cancer-free for 5+ years.
- Multiple failed fertility treatments: Cases where standard options like IVF fail solely due to uterine issues, confirming absolute uterine factor infertility.
The following criteris must be met by the patient:
- Basic medical fitness criteria: Age typically under 20-35 years, BMI <30, no major uncontrolled comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), and demonstrated psychological readiness via evaluation.
- Donor options: Living related donor (often mother or sister post-childbearing) preferred for better matching; deceased donor possible but rarer. In India, ethical/legal rules require hospital transplant board approval, family consent for living donors, and adherence to National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) guidelines.
Hospital Costs Involved in Uterus Transplant in India
Point of Expense | Cost in USD |
Pre-Surgery Screening For Patient & Donor | $1500 to $2000 |
Surgery & Hospitalization for Patient and Donor | $42000 to $48000 |
Follow-up Examination, Tests and Medical Management | $1500 to $2000 |
IVF & Embryo Implantation | $4000 to $5500 |
Additional costs include the cost of delivery, hotel accommodation and meals, and logistical costs such as visa, flights and local transport. |
List of Top 5 Hospitals for Uterus Transplant in India
1. Nanavati-MAX Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai
Established in: 1950
Number of Beds: 350
- Nanavati-MAX Super Specialty Hospital is a leading uterus transplant hospital in India and mutispecialty hospital in Mumbai, offering advanced gynecological services including uterus transplant for women with absolute uterine factor infertility.
- Renowned for its expertise in reproductive medicine and minimally invasive gynecology.
Specializes in uterus transplant, including:
- Comprehensive pre-transplant evaluation and IVF embryo preparation
- Robotic-assisted uterine implantation surgery
- Post-transplant immunosuppression and high-risk pregnancy management
Awards & Recognition
- Nanavati-MAX Super Specialty Hospital has been recognized with many awards, some of them are as follows:
- Hospital of the Year in Organ Transplant (2024) – Honoured at the Navabharat Health Care Summit & Awards, recognizing excellence in organ transplant services.
- Hospital of the Year in Patient Care (Healthcare Excellence Awards 2021) – Acknowledged for outstanding patient-centric care.
- Best Intelligent Hospital Award – Received at the AHPI (Association of Healthcare Providers India) Awards for excellence in healthcare innovation.
- Most Popular Multi-Specialty Hospital in India (2018) – Awarded by Time Cyber Media.
- E-India Award (2010) – Recognized for contributions to healthcare technology and services.
- CISCO Technology Award – For adoption of advanced healthcare technologies.
- Various Healthcare Excellence Awards including recognitions from CIMS and others for clinical and operational performance.
2. Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai
Established in: 2009 Number of Beds: 1,300
- Gleneagles Global Health City is a pioneering multi-organ transplant center in Asia, well-known for its dedicated uterine transplant program led by Dr. Padmapriya Vivek, with successful procedures including two transplants in 2022.
- Renowned for excellence in robotic gynecology and fertility restoration.
Specializes in uterus transplant, including:
- Multidisciplinary evaluation for AUFI patients
- Living donor uterus retrieval and vascular anastomosis
- Embryo transfer and monitored high-risk pregnancies
Awards & Recognition
Gleneagles Global Hospital has been recognized with many awards, some of them are as follows:
- Sanjeevani Healthcare Excellence Award: Awarded for excellence in surgical oncology at the India Heals “SANJEEVANI 2024” event, recognising the hospital’s high standards in cancer surgery and patient care.
- International Customer Experience Awards (2025): The hospital won two Gold Awards at the 2025 International Customer Experience Awards for outstanding patient experience and customer service.
- DRI Awards of Excellence – “Response and Recovery of the Year” (2025): Recognised internationally for exceptional crisis management during extreme weather conditions (Cyclone Michaung), maintaining critical operations and safeguarding patients and staff.
- Ranked among India’s Top Multispeciality Hospitals (Outlook Health 2025): Ranked as one of India’s top multispeciality hospitals in a prestigious healthcare survey by Outlook & NEB Research.
- Times Business Award 2024: Recognised for excellence in hepatology and as a leading institute in liver disease and transplantation (per aggregated hospital listings).
- Milestone in Robotic Surgery: The hospital has reached significant surgical milestones (e.g., over 200 robotic gynaecology procedures), showcasing clinical leadership in advanced minimally invasive care.
- Strong Clinical Reputation: Known for pioneering multi-organ transplant procedures and excellence in complex medical specialties. (General recognition as a top clinical centre in the region)
3. Galaxy Care Hospital, Pune
Established in: 2008 Number of Beds: 100
- Galaxy Care Hospital is the site of India's first successful uterus transplant in 2017 by Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar, achieving Asia's first live birth post-transplant in 2018.
- Renowned for pioneering womb transplants and motherhood restoration.
Specializes in uterus transplant, including:
- Laparoscopic donor hysterectomies from living relatives
- Embryo transfer leading to full-term deliveries
- Dedicated OPD for uterine transplant follow-up
Awards & Recognition
- Galaxy Care Hospital has been recognized with many awards, some of them are as follows:
- Times Health Excellence Award 2025. Galaxy Hospital has been recognized with this award by The Times of India group for excellence in healthcare, including integrated diagnostics and service excellence.
- Outstanding Contribution to Humanitarian Causes 2025. The hospital received this accolade reflecting its commitment to compassionate care and community impact.Insights Excellence Awards (Multiple Categories). Galaxy Hospital was honored for excellence in key service areas such as multi-specialty care and gastro sciences.
- AAGL Golden Laparoscope / Golden Telescope Awards. Dr. Puntambekar has received this international award multiple times for excellence in laparoscopic surgical videos and innovation.
- Awards for Outstanding Contributions in Laparoscopic and Oncosurgery. He has been honored by international surgical societies such as IASGO and AAGL for pioneering minimally invasive cancer surgery techniques.
- First Robotic Oncosurgeon and Pioneering Surgical Milestones. Dr. Puntambekar is recognized for several landmark achievements in robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgery in India, contributing to the hospital’s global standing.
- India’s First Successful Uterine Transplant (2017). This procedure was performed at Galaxy Care Hospital Pune and led to the birth of the first uterine transplant baby in India and Asia.
- Introduction of Robotic Cancer Surgery Theatre. Galaxy Hospital became one of the first hospitals in Western and Southern India to adopt advanced robotic surgical systems for cancer care.
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4. Rela Hospital, Chennai
Established in: 2017 Number of Beds: 500
- Rela Institute & Medical Centre maintains a dedicated uterine transplantation department within its Institute of Reproductive Medicine, approved by NOTTO for advanced fertility procedures.
- Renowned for state-of-the-art ART labs and uterine transplant integration.
Specializes in uterus transplant, including:
- Preimplant genetic screening and embryo freezing
- Multidisciplinary transplant surgery with HPB support
- High-volume fertility and post-transplant pregnancy care
Awards & Recognition
Rela Hospital has been recognized with many awards, some of them are as follows:
- Times Health Excellence Award 2023: Rela Hospital and its doctors were recognised with the Times Health Excellence Award 2023 by The Times of India for outstanding healthcare services, especially in specialties like paediatric haematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplantation.
- Best Emerging Hospitals Award: Rela Hospital received the Prestigious Achiever Award in the Emerging Hospitals category at the Times Healthcare Achievers Awards for commitment to quality, safety, and innovation.
- Best Liver Transplant Unit (2018–2019): The hospital was honoured for excellent performance in liver transplant surgery, with the award presented during the Organ Donation Awareness Week by the Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu.
- Best Performing Live Liver Transplant Team (2019–2020): The liver transplant program, led by Prof. Rela, was awarded by the Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu for the best performing live liver transplant team.
- Best Medical and Wellness Tourism Establishment (Tamil Nadu Tourism Awards 2025): Rela Hospital was recognised as the Best Medical and Wellness Tourism Establishment at the Tamil Nadu Tourism Awards, reflecting its role in health tourism services.
- Iconic Multi-Speciality Hospital (Times Health Excellence Awards 2024–25): The hospital was honoured as an Iconic Multi-Speciality Hospital at the Times Health Excellence Awards, acknowledging its broad clinical excellence across specialties.
- All India Best Liver Transplantation Award (India Health Awards 2024): Rela Hospital was honoured with the All India Best Liver Transplantation Award at the India Health Awards 2024, recognising its leadership in transplant outcomes.
- State-Wide Recognition from Transplant Authority (2021–2022): The hospital and Prof. Rela’s team received the Award of Appreciation from the Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu for performing the highest number of paediatric liver transplants under the CM’s health insurance programme.
5. Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai
Established in: 2014Number of Beds: 345
- Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Centre is a state-of-the-art quaternary care hospital in Mumbai, known for advanced transplant medicine, women’s health, and high-end surgical care. The hospital has initiated a uterus transplant programme as part of its commitment to advancing reproductive medicine and offering solutions for women with absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI).
- The programme is being developed with guidance and training support from surgeons experienced in India’s pioneering uterus transplant procedures, positioning the hospital as an emerging centre for this complex transplant service in Western India.
Specializes in uterus transplant, including:
- Multidisciplinary evaluation of AUFI patients
- Donor and recipient selection with ethical and medical screening
- Complex pelvic surgery with vascular anastomosis
- Post-transplant care, immunosuppression management, and fertility planning in coordination with IVF specialists
Awards & Recognition
Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital has been recognized with multiple awards and accreditations, some of them are as follows:
- Best New Hospital in Mumbai (Healthcare Leadership Awards): Recognised for clinical excellence, patient safety, and advanced infrastructure soon after inception.
- Excellence in Patient Safety and Quality Care: Acknowledged by national healthcare forums for robust clinical governance and quality standards.
- Accreditations by NABH and NABL: Certified for adherence to high standards in patient care, hospital operations, and diagnostic services.
- Recognition for Advanced Transplant and Robotic Surgery Programs: Noted for excellence in liver transplantation, oncology, and minimally invasive robotic procedures.
- Strong Clinical Reputation: Widely regarded as a leading tertiary and quaternary care hospital in Mumbai, combining advanced technology with multidisciplinary expertise.
Top 3 Doctors For Uterus Transplant in India
1. Dr. Padmapriya Vivek – Director, Uterine Transplant & Senior Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Qualifications: MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), DRM (Germany)
Experience: ~18+ years in obstetrics, gynaecology, fertility, and reproductive medicine; leads the uterine transplant program.
Specializations:
- Uterus / uterine transplant surgery program
- Fertility treatments (IVF, related procedures)Robotic and advanced gynaecological surgery
- Complex and high-risk obstetrics
Notable Contributions: Spearheaded Gleneagles’ groundbreaking uterine transplant initiative; speaks internationally at transplant congresses.
2. Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar – Medical Director & Uterus Transplant Surgeon
Qualifications: Medical degree with advanced surgical training and international exposure (specific degree details typical for surgeon; trained in Germany and USA transplant protocols)
Experience: Pioneered uterus transplant in India; led the first uterus transplant procedures in the country in 2017 and subsequent transplants; his team completed multiple transplants including two in 9 hours and a third in 6 hours.
Specializations:
- Uterus / womb transplant surgery
- Minimally invasive & laparoscopic procedures
- Robotic-assisted surgical techniques
Notable Achievements: Performed India’s first successful uterus transplant and established the first uterus transplant OPD in India; continues to train teams and expand access to the procedure.
3. Dr. Uddhav Raj – Director & Head of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Gynaecological Surgery
Qualifications: MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology), DGO, with advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive and robotic gynaecological surgery. He has undergone specialised training in advanced laparoscopy and robotic techniques at leading centres in India and abroad.
Experience: Over 18 years of clinical experience in obstetrics and gynaecology, with a strong focus on complex gynaecological surgeries. He currently leads the Robotic and Minimally Invasive Gynaecology programme at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, managing high-complexity pelvic and reproductive surgeries.
Specializations:
- Advanced laparoscopic gynaecological surgery
- Robotic-assisted gynaecological procedures
- Complex pelvic surgery and fertility-related surgical care
- High-risk obstetrics and comprehensive women’s health management
Notable Achievements: Recognised for establishing and expanding robotic and minimally invasive gynaecological surgery services at Nanavati Max Hospital. Known for clinical excellence in complex gynaecologic procedures, reduced-scar surgery, and mentoring surgeons in advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques. He plays a key role in advanced women’s health programmes at the hospital, including readiness for emerging reproductive and transplant-related surgical care.
Success Rates and Outcomes of Uterus Transplant
Success in uterine transplantation is measured through several key indicators that reflect both short- and long-term outcomes. The primary measure is graft survival, which refers to the transplanted uterus remaining functional and viable without rejection or complications. Following this, the return of menstruation indicates that the uterus has established adequate blood flow and hormonal function, an essential step toward achieving pregnancy. Further success is assessed by a successful embryo transfer, meaning an embryo implants and develops within the transplanted uterus. The ultimate measure of success, however, is the live birth rate, representing the delivery of a healthy baby from the transplanted uterus.
Several factors influence these outcomes. The recipient’s overall health, including age, immune status, and underlying conditions, plays a crucial role. The quality and compatibility of the donor uterus, whether from a living or deceased donor, also affect success rates. Additionally, the surgical expertise involved in performing the complex transplant and restoring vascular connections significantly determines graft function. Long-term adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is vital to prevent organ rejection, while the quality of embryos used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) greatly impacts the chance of pregnancy and live birth.
It is important to set realistic expectations, as uterine transplantation remains an evolving procedure worldwide. Many medical centers currently conduct these transplants under research or clinical trial protocols, focusing on refining surgical techniques, improving outcomes, and ensuring patient safety before the procedure becomes widely available.
Why choose India for uterus transplant?
India offers compelling advantages for uterine transplantation, combining cutting-edge medical expertise with cost-effective care and seamless support for international patients. Pioneering centers like Galaxy Care Hospital in Pune have performed some of India's first successful procedures using advanced laparoscopic techniques, supported by multidisciplinary teams of gynecologists, transplant surgeons, and fertility specialists. High-end infrastructure in JCI-accredited hospitals ensures world-class outcomes at a fraction of Western costs, making it an attractive destination for medical tourism.
Key advantages include:
Advanced expertise and multidisciplinary teams: India leads with experienced surgeons like Dr. Shailesh Puntambekar, who conducted the country's first laparoscopic uterus transplants in 2017-2018, achieving live births; teams integrate reproductive medicine, transplant surgery, and IVF for comprehensive care.
Cost advantage: Procedures range from USD 42,000-48,000, far below USD 170,000+ in the US or Europe, with shorter waiting lists due to high donor availability and efficient systems.
High-end infrastructure: NABH/JCI-accredited hospitals like Nanavati-MAX, Fortis, and Rela provide state-of-the-art facilities for transplants, including pre/post-op monitoring and IVF integration.
English-speaking staff and international support: Widespread English proficiency aids communication; dedicated international patient departments offer priority appointments and seamless care.
Medical travel via HOSPIDIO: As a medical travel partner, HOSPIDIO provides end-to-end assistance including visa support, airport transfers, accommodation, 24/7 coordination, translators, and treatment planning for uterus transplants.
If you or a loved one is exploring uterus transplant treatment, you can contact us for comprehensive guidance, eligibility screening, and end-to-end treatment planning with leading specialists in India.
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Baani Singh
Author
Baani Singh is a Trainee Intern specializing in Content and Brand Management at HOSPIDIO. With a keen interest in healthcare communication, she contributes to creating informative and engaging content that bridges the gap between medical services and patients seeking treatment abroad. Her work supports HOSPIDIO's mission to provide accessible and transparent medical travel solutions.
Guneet Bindra
Reviewer
Guneet Bhatia is the Founder of HOSPIDIO and an accomplished content reviewer with extensive experience in medical content development, instructional design, and blogging. Passionate about creating impactful content, she excels in ensuring accuracy and clarity in every piece. Guneet enjoys engaging in meaningful conversations with people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, enriching her perspective. When she's not working, she cherishes quality time with her family, enjoys good music, and loves brainstorming innovative ideas with her team.