Retired Army Soldier's Final Act of Service Saves Four Lives
A retired Indian Army soldier continues to serve his nation even after death. His family made a courageous decision that saved four precious lives through organ donation.
Tragic Accident Leads to Life-Saving Decision
A 61-year-old retired soldier from the Army's medical services suffered critical injuries in a road accident in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Doctors declared him brain-dead following the tragic incident.
Despite their profound grief, the soldier's family chose to donate his organs. They consented to this life-saving act after receiving counseling from transplant coordinators. Their decision demonstrates remarkable compassion during an incredibly difficult time.
Four Lives Transformed Through Donation
The organ donation occurred on January 4 at Command Hospital in Lucknow. Medical teams harvested the soldier's kidney, liver, and corneas for transplantation.
These organs went on to save four individuals:
- The liver was successfully transplanted at Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in New Delhi
- One kidney and both corneas were transplanted at Command Hospital in Lucknow
Among those saved was a 31-year-old mother of two children. A serving soldier also received a life-changing transplant through this donation.
Medical Team Makes Transplantation Possible
Major General Alok Bhalla led the transplant process as Commandant of Command Hospital in Lucknow. He brings extensive surgical experience from his previous role as head of surgery at Armed Forces Medical College in Pune.
The dedicated medical team included several specialists:
- Colonel Priya Ranjan, gastrointestinal surgeon
- Colonel Bharat, urologist
- Lieutenant Colonel Sumanlata, transplant OT matron
- Major Sonam Pandey and Major P Raifunissa, transplant coordinators
- Lieutenant Colonel Vivek Kumar, anaesthesiologist
- Major Sanskrita, ophthalmologist
This case marked the second organ transplant at Command Hospital, Lucknow within three months under Major General Bhalla's leadership.
Army Leadership Champions Organ Donation
The Indian Army has become a strong advocate for organ donation across the nation. In August last year, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and his wife Sunita Dwivedi pledged to donate their organs.
General Dwivedi described organ donation as "a service to humanity." He urged service personnel and their families to set examples for society through such selfless acts.
Their pledge significantly boosted the Armed Forces Organ Retrieval and Transplantation Authority (AORTA). This organization promotes awareness and inspires the armed forces community to lead national organ donation efforts.
Record-Breaking Commitment from Armed Forces
According to a Ministry of Defence statement, AORTA has emerged as a national leader in organ retrieval and transplantation. Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin directs this initiative as Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services.
The Indian Army achieved an impressive record recently. Over 26,000 personnel pledged to donate their organs during a single campaign. This demonstrates the military community's strong commitment to saving lives beyond their official duties.
Families who donate organs receive recognition for their compassion and courage on various occasions. Their decisions create lasting legacies that transform multiple lives.
This retired soldier's story highlights how one family's difficult choice during tragedy can create hope and healing for others. Their act continues the soldier's lifetime of service in the most meaningful way possible.
