Mumbai: 74-year-old's kin donate his lung & liver, save 2 lives

MUMBAI: In death, a 74-year-old kidney failure patient became a saviour for two critically ill patients waiting for organ transplants. His kin donated his liver and lungs after he suffered brain death last week. Their noble gesture marked the first lung donation during the pandemic in the state and also the city's 24th for the year.
The senior citizen had sustained a fall at home and was rushed to the emergency at Global Hospital in Parel last week. "He had a large intracranial bleed which was inoperable," said Dr Prashant Borade, head of critical care department, adding that the family members were counselled for organ donation and they gave approval. The retrievals happened on July 30.
The donor had diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease for which he was on dialysis for two years. "My father was a helpful person and always put others ahead of himself. He would be happy with our decision of donating his organs to help save lives," said his daughter.
The lungs were flown to Chennai after a foreign patient turned out to be a suitable recipient. Arrangements to fly the organ meant a slight delay in the retrieval procedure. The donor's family agreed to it, enabling a team of doctors from Fortis Hospital, Mulund to retrieve the lungs and send them to Chennai.
Dr Bharat Shah, general secretary of Zonal Transplantation Coordination Committee (ZTCC), said this case shows donation of functional organs is possible even in old age. Dr S Mathur of ZTCC said as per protocol only patients who need urgent transplant are considered. The donations facilitated retrieval of 66 organs so far.