Green Corridor Operation Transplants Organs from Uttarakhand Donor to Five Patients Across India
In a remarkable display of inter-state medical coordination, authorities across nine districts in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi established a green corridor to transport life-saving organs from a single donor to five patients in different locations. The organs—including the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and corneas—were donated by Raghu Paswan, a mason from Bihar, who suffered fatal injuries in an accident and was later declared brain-dead.
Family's Selfless Decision Enables Multiple Transplants
Raghu Paswan had been admitted to AIIMS Rishikesh in the second week of January, where his family initially hoped for recovery. However, doctors informed them that he had sustained irreversible brain damage, making recovery unlikely. After three to four days of counseling, his wife, Prabhavati Devi, consented to organ donation, understanding how this decision could save multiple lives.
"She eventually agreed after realizing how this decision could save multiple lives. Raghu now lives on in at least five people across different states," said Shambhu Paswan, Rishikesh mayor and a relative of Raghu.
Coordinated Retrieval and Transport Process
Medical teams from Delhi, Chennai, and Chandigarh coordinated the retrieval and transport process at AIIMS Rishikesh on Thursday. The organs were surgically retrieved on Friday. Raghu's heart was allocated to the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in Delhi, while his lungs, initially intended for Chennai, were found unfit for transplantation by the visiting medical team.
"The kidneys, liver, pancreas, and corneas were transplanted into recipients in Delhi, Chandigarh, and AIIMS Rishikesh," said Dr. Sriloy Mohanty, PRO of AIIMS Rishikesh.
Critical Transport Window and Logistics
Given the heart's critical preservation window of four to five hours, it was airlifted by an Army helicopter. The remaining organs were transported by road. Despite heavy rainfall, the teams reached Delhi in approximately three hours and 20 minutes, and PGI Chandigarh in nearly the same time, ensuring the organs' viability.
Dr. Meenu Singh, executive director and CEO of AIIMS Rishikesh, noted that the entire process began around 10 am and concluded by 3 pm. "This was the second cadaveric organ donation at AIIMS Rishikesh. The selfless decision of Raghu's family enabled multiple transplant surgeries and gave hope and survival to several patients," she said, emphasizing the need to strengthen public awareness about organ donation.
Impact and Broader Implications
This operation highlights the effectiveness of India's organ donation system and the importance of green corridors in saving lives. It serves as a powerful reminder of how one donor can impact multiple recipients, fostering a culture of organ donation across the country. The successful transplants at Army Hospital (Research and Referral), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, and AIIMS Rishikesh underscore the collaborative efforts of medical professionals and authorities.
