Mumbai witnessed a heartening milestone on Monday as a 47-year-old man from Ghatkopar, declared brain dead at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, became the city’s 55th cadaver organ donor of 2024. This altruistic act gave a new lease of life to four individuals battling end-stage organ failure.
The donor had suffered a severe brain haemorrhage and was hospitalised on November 22. Despite extensive efforts, he remained unconscious and was declared brain dead on November 24. Following a 28-hour deliberation, his family consented to donate his lungs and kidneys. As per the Zonal Transplant Coordination Committee (ZTCC) guidelines, the organs were allocated to waiting recipients. His lungs were transported to KIMS Hospital in Hyderabad, one kidney was transplanted at LH Hiranandani Hospital, and the second kidney was sent to Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, for patients in critical need.
Maharashtra currently has over 8,200 individuals awaiting organ transplants, with kidney patients comprising the majority, followed by those needing liver and heart transplants. While cadaver donations plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic—registering only 31 donors in 2021—the trend has since shown encouraging recovery. By 2022, the city recorded 47 cadaver organ donations, and 2024 has already surpassed these numbers. Dr Bharat Shah, General Secretary of the ZTCC, highlighted the growing public awareness around organ donation. “The rise in cadaver donations is promising. We aim to extend our efforts by increasing awareness in public hospitals and encouraging participation from all sectors,” he remarked.
This case underscores the vital role of organ donation in combating the crisis of organ shortages in India. While awareness campaigns have begun to yield results, a larger cultural shift is necessary to address the ever-growing demand for transplants. The donor’s family stands as a beacon of selflessness, showcasing the transformative power of giving even in times of grief.
