In a significant milestone, Dr. Parul Gupta, the Transplant Coordinator at PGIMER Chandigarh, has received the esteemed Sushruta Award 2024 for her outstanding contributions to the field of organ donation. The award, presented by Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, was a highlight of a televised health conference organized by Medically Speaking.
The awards ceremony, held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on February 8, 2024, celebrated the exceptional achievements of healthcare professionals. Dr. Gupta’s unwavering commitment and exemplary efforts in facilitating over 150 organ and tissue donations at PGIMER Chandigarh earned her this prestigious honor.
As the Transplant Coordinator at PGIMER Chandigarh since 2019, Dr. Gupta has played a pivotal role in the success of the institute’s deceased organ donation program. Her expertise and dedication have been instrumental in leading some of the most successful organ donation initiatives in a public sector hospital.
During the Conclave, Dr. Gupta actively participated in a panel discussion titled “Donate Organs and Save Lives,” highlighting the crucial role of transplant coordinators in deceased organ donation. She emphasized the significance of approaching potential donor families with compassion and sensitivity, especially during challenging times.
Dr. Gupta’s contributions extend beyond routine organ donation procedures. She has been actively involved in pioneering initiatives such as organ donation after cardiac death (DCD) and organ donation in very young children, including infants as young as 39 days old. These initiatives were acknowledged by Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 99th episode, recognizing their role in expanding the scope of organ donation.
A notable milestone in Dr. Gupta’s career was the successful organ donation of a child aged just 70 hours at PGIMER Chandigarh in February 2020. Organ donation in infants at such a young age presents unique challenges, requiring compassion, sensitivity, and ethical considerations at every step of the process. Dr. Gupta provided unwavering support and guidance to the bereaved families, ensuring their experience was handled with the utmost respect and care during this delicate time.
In addition to her impactful work at the grassroots level, Dr. Gupta actively contributes to research efforts exploring innovative approaches to organ donation and transplantation.