In a profound act of generosity amidst grief, a family in Maharashtra's Sangli district has given the gift of life to two critically ill patients. The family members of a 69-year-old man, declared brain-dead, consented to donate his vital organs, setting in motion a remarkable medical and logistical mission that spanned cities.
A Decision Born from Compassion and Medical Insight
The donor was admitted to Ushakal Hospital in Sangli after suffering a severe brain haemorrhage. Despite all efforts, he was declared brain-dead on December 16. Faced with this irreversible loss, his children—including a daughter who is a doctor herself—made the courageous decision to donate his organs. Their choice meant that their father's legacy would continue by saving the lives of others.
Dr. Vikramsinha Kadam, the Sangli district civil surgeon, recounted the sequence of events. "We received the request for organs on Thursday," he said. "The patient's daughter, a former doctor at this very hospital, strongly supported the idea. Once the family gave their consent, we immediately informed the awaiting hospitals in Nashik." At that critical juncture, two patients in Nashik were in desperate need of a liver and a kidney transplant, their survival hanging in the balance.
The Race Against Time: Chartered Flights and Green Corridors
What followed was a meticulously coordinated race against the clock. Understanding the extreme time sensitivity—especially for a liver, which must be transplanted within four hours of retrieval—a team of doctors flew via a chartered plane to Kolhapur airport. From there, they travelled by road to Sangli to retrieve the organs.
The retrieved liver was rushed back to Kolhapur airport for its urgent journey to Nashik. Anil Shinde, the Kolhapur airport director, highlighted the seamless coordination. "We ensured the organ's swift transfer from the airport entrance to the runway. The airport remained open solely for this purpose, and thanks to the Air Traffic Controller's efforts, the flight reached Nashik in record time," he stated. The liver covered the distance in a remarkable one-and-a-half hours.
For the kidney, authorities executed a life-saving 450-kilometer green corridor between Kolhapur and Nashik. This special route, cleared of all traffic, allowed the ambulance to complete the long journey in just six hours, shaving nearly four hours off the usual travel time and preserving the organ's viability.
Living On Through Others: A Message of Hope
This successful double transplant operation stands as a powerful testament to the impact of organ donation. District Collector Ashok Kakade reflected on the broader significance, stating, "Through organ donation, the deceased continues to live in others. Such inspiring examples are crucial for raising public awareness and ultimately saving more lives."
The story transcends the medical details. It is a narrative of a family's selflessness in their darkest hour, the dedication of medical professionals across two cities, and the efficient mobilisation of state machinery to create a green corridor. It underscores a powerful message: one informed, compassionate decision can ripple outwards, turning profound loss into a miraculous gain for strangers fighting for their lives.
