Mumbai Witnesses Three Cadaver Organ Donations in a Single Day, Offering Hope to Thousands
In a significant boost to transplant efforts, Mumbai experienced three cadaver organ donations within a 24-hour period on February 7 and 8, 2026. The donations were reported by S L Raheja Hospital in Mahim, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital in Navi Mumbai, and Hira Mongi Navneet Hospital in Mulund. These donors provided multiple life-saving organs and tissues, including kidneys, livers, corneas, and skin, offering a ray of hope to the thousands of patients awaiting transplants in the city.
Current Transplant Statistics and Waiting List Challenges
According to the Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre, Mumbai has seen 10 deceased organ donations so far this year, resulting in 20 organs being transplanted. However, the demand remains high, with 4,871 patients still on the waiting list for life-saving organs. Another donation process is currently underway in Dombivli, with details awaited, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address the critical shortage.
Personal Story of a Donor: Sachin Pujara's Legacy
One of the donors was 48-year-old Sachin Pujara, who had been managing high blood pressure for several years. Admitted to Hira Mongi Navneet Hospital on February 2 after experiencing severe dizziness and loss of balance, he was initially responding well to treatment for internal bleeding and was nearing discharge. Tragically, on February 6, he collapsed suddenly. Despite attempts at cardiopulmonary resuscitation, he did not respond and was placed on a ventilator. By February 7, the organ donation process began, honoring a decision he had made years earlier. His liver, kidneys, corneas, and skin were donated, giving new life to others.
His wife Bhagyashree, sister Bhavana, and children Tisha, 23, and Hridaya, 19, supported this decision. "It was not easy for us, but we understood it was for a larger cause," Bhagyashree told The Indian Express. "My children and his elder sister were also supportive, and I realised it was something that could give life to others." She added, "Yesterday all the hospital staff saluted him when we got his body for the funeral. I feel it is a pride for us, he is still around us, alive. Though I don’t know who received his organs, I will always know he is with us in spirit."
Expert Insights on Organ Donation Trends in Mumbai
Dr Bharat Shah, general secretary of ZTCC Mumbai, noted that organ donation numbers are gradually improving. "In just two months, we already had 10 donors, and in one day we saw three donations. Social stigma and superstitions will still take time to go away, but it is encouraging to see smaller hospitals participating in donations," he said. He emphasized that Mumbai has 44 registered transplant centers along with several hospitals that retrieve organs, but the need remains urgent. "We need all organs. The problem is for heart, lung and liver. if patients don’t get these, they won’t survive. Transplant is the only hope," he stated, underscoring the critical nature of increasing donation rates to save more lives.
