Bereaved families donate organs, give hope to critical patients

Amid the terrible tragedy of losing their loved ones, two bereaved donor families showcased exemplary magnanimity and kindled hope in the lives of critical patients with the transplantation of kidneys and corneas here at PGIMER, Chandigarh.

Ashwani Kumar, 54, a resident of Kaithal, Haryana, met with a fatal road accident at Kaithal on 14 August and was rushed to PGIMER on the same day. Despite best efforts, he could not be revived from his irretrievable condition and was declared brain dead by the brain death certification committee on 17 August. When the family got to know that Kumar could not pull through, the family didn’t wish his death to be in vain. Being fairly aware about the concept and having already pledged for organ donation, the grief stricken but resolute family consented for organ donation.

On the other hand, earlier on 9 August, a young and promising life was mercilessly cut short by a speeding vehicle, causing fatal head injuries. After the mishap, the youth aged 28 years from Punjab was immediately rushed to a local hospital and then to PGIMER, on 10 August. As ill luck would have it, all the efforts proved futile and after three days’ of struggle; he was declared brain-dead on 13 August after following the protocols of Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA).

Prof. Vipin Koushal, Nodal Officer, ROTTO (North) PGIMER, said “The ‘gift of life’ that has been given by these two donor families conveys much about our capacity for great compassion and generosity. This cause needs to be taken seriously as anyone can suffer from organ failure. It’s especially important to consider becoming an organ donor in a country where the rate of organ donation is almost negligible.”

Paying homage to the departed souls of both the donor families, Prof Jagat Ram, Director PGIMER, said:“We are overwhelmed by the ‘spirit of giving’ of the donor families and hope their generous gesture inspires others and makes them realize that death is not the end of things, people can live on through this noble cause of organ donation.”

Anita, the aggrieved wife of deceased Kumar, showcased unparalleled courage amid her own tragedy as she said, “We said ‘yes’ to organ donation because it is far better to give someone a new life than reducing these organs to ashes.”

Prof. H.S. Kohli, Head, Deptt. of Nephrology, PGIMER said, ”Following the family’s decision, the two best matching recipients who were suffering from ‘end-stage debilitating kidney ailment’ and dependent on renal dialysis for long, were identified and the retrieved kidneys were transplanted to them, giving them a second chance at life.” Apart from the kidneys, the corneas of the donors were also harvested, which on transplantation, restored the eyesight of two other patients here at PGIMER. Four lives were impacted with the transplantation of two kidneys and two corneas here at PGIMER.