Belagavi: The first successful heart transplant surgery in North Karnataka was performed in Belagavi. This amazing feat was accomplished at Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Research Centre.

Briefing reporters, Medical Director Dr. M V Jali said Belagavi had become the second city in Karnataka to have performed heart transplant surgery successfully. Prior to this, human heart transplants were successful only in Bengaluru.

The surgery was performed on a 32-year-old patient Veergouda Patil of Managavati village in Athavani taluk on February 20, he added.

He informed that the heart was donated by the family members of Savita Pawar (42), who had suffered brain haemorrhage. This act of kindness enabled doctors to perform the heart surgery. Though Savita has departed this life her heart continues to beat in Veerugouda Patil.

Dr. Prabhakar Kore added that the surgery was performed at a cost of Rs 5 lakh.