New Delhi: Over the past ten years, stool transplant therapy, known scientifically as Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT), has revolutionized the treatment landscape for numerous chronic diseases in India. From gastrointestinal and liver disorders to conditions like Parkinson’s Disease and Autism Spectrum Disorder, FMT has provided a lifeline for patients suffering from dysbiosis and related complications.
To mark this milestone, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka hosted an event bringing together recipients, donors, and doctors to reflect on the transformative impact of this innovative therapy. The session highlighted personal stories and expert insights, emphasizing FMT’s role in addressing the root causes of diseases rather than merely managing symptoms.
Dr. (Col) Avnish Seth, who pioneered FMT in India, performed the country’s first stool transplant on November 14, 2014. As a leading expert at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dr. Seth has expanded the application of FMT, firmly establishing it as a safe and effective treatment option. Over the years, he has helped numerous patients restore gut health after other therapies failed, enabling them to regain a quality life.
“Stool Transplant or FMT represents a paradigm shift in treating certain gut and liver conditions by tackling diseases at their microbial roots,” said Dr. (Col) Avnish Seth, VSM, Chairman, Manipal Institute of Gastroenterology & Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Sciences. “While it is approved for Clostridium difficile colitis, FMT for other conditions must remain within approved research protocols. Witnessing the recovery of patients who have benefited from this therapy is immensely rewarding, and we are committed to expanding its reach to those in need.”
The event also highlighted the importance of raising awareness and donor participation to ensure FMT’s broader accessibility. Viji Varghese, Hospital Director, HCMCT Manipal Hospital Dwarka, emphasized, “This milestone is not just a celebration but a call for greater recognition and accessibility of stool transplants in India. We are dedicated to advancing this innovative treatment and ensuring it reaches more patients who can benefit from it.”
As FMT celebrates a decade in India, HCMCT Manipal Hospital continues to lead efforts in advancing this therapy, increasing public awareness, and integrating it as a critical component of chronic disease management. The hospital’s commitment to innovation and patient care reaffirms its position as a pioneer in transformative treatments.