Cadaver Organ Donation at DMC&H: A 23-Year-Old’s Final Gift Saves Multiple Lives

Ludhiana, June 2, 2025: In a deeply moving and courageous act of humanity, the family of a 23-year-old young male, who was declared brain dead after an accident, chose to donate his organs, giving the gift of life to several patients in need. This remarkable decision took place at Dayanand Medical College & Hospital (DMC&H), Ludhiana.

Upon confirmation of brain death and after comprehensive counseling by the transplant coordination team, the young man’s family consented to donate his liver, kidneys, pancreas, and corneas. The donation process was promptly coordinated in consultation with SOTTO (State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization) and ROTTO (Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization) North.

The liver and one kidney were successfully transplanted into patients suffering from liver cirrhosis and end-stage renal disease at DMC&H, restoring their hopes for a healthier future. The second kidney and pancreas were allocated to PGIMER, Chandigarh, ensuring that more lives could benefit from this selfless legacy. His corneas were preserved in the DMC&H Eye Bank and will soon help restore vision to those suffering from corneal blindness.

The entire organ retrieval and transplant process at DMC&H was conducted with the utmost precision and compassion. Dr. PL Gautam, Head of the Department of Critical Care, played a pivotal role in coordinating and ensuring the smooth execution of this noble endeavor. The liver transplant team was led by Dr. Gursagar Singh Sahota, Chief Liver Transplant Surgeon at DMC&H, who successfully performed the liver transplant surgery. Supporting this extraordinary effort, Dr. Suneet Kant Kathuria, Head of Anesthesia, provided crucial expertise throughout the procedure. The kidney transplant surgeries were successfully performed by Dr. Vikas Kumar and Dr. Harmandeep Singh Chahal.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. GS Wander, Principal, DMC&H, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the donor’s family: “The courage shown by the family in their moment of grief is both humbling and inspiring. Their decision reflects the highest form of altruism and offers a beacon of hope to countless others waiting for organ transplants.”

Shri Bipin Gupta, Secretary, DMCH Managing Society, also commended the medical team and donor family: “Organ donation is the truest act of compassion. This noble gesture by the family and the expertise of our dedicated transplant team together have created a legacy that will be remembered and cherished by all.”

Dr. Sandeep Sharma, Medical Superintendent, DMC&H, added: “This successful organ donation and transplant case demonstrates the strength of teamwork, ethical medical practice, and the immense value of public awareness. We salute the donor family’s bravery and reaffirm our commitment to providing the highest standards of care in every such case.”