PANAJI: In a remarkable week for organ donation, three donors collectively saved 11 lives. Two of these organ donations took place at Goa Medical College (GMC), contributing to eight lives saved within a month.
The latest donor was 22-year-old Sahil, a native of Kerala, who worked at Manohar International Airport (MIA) in Mopa. After suffering a severe brain injury, he was declared brain-dead, and his family made the selfless decision to donate his organs.
His liver was sent to Aurangabad while his kidneys were transplanted into two patients at GMC, giving them a new lease on life. Sahil’s family was honoured at an official function at GMC for their generous act. A green corridor was arranged for the transportation of the organs.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane hailed the selfless act by the families of these donors.
“January 2025 marks a milestone for Goa’s Navi Jivit program, with eight lives saved through two organ donation events. The family of 22-year-old Sahil from Kerala made a selfless decision to donate his organs, giving new life to multiple recipients,” he said.
On January 28, organs of 25-year-old Govind Yadav from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, were donated. The victim was severely injured in a hit-and-run accident in Mapusa on January 25 and declared brain-dead on January 27, after which his family decided to donate his organs.
His kidneys were transplanted into two women at GMC, his heart was allocated to a 55-year-old man at H N Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai, and his liver was transplanted into a 39-year-old man at Zydus Hospital in Ahmedabad. His lungs were allocated to Apollo Hospital in Delhi through NOTTO.
Thereafter, the family of 48-year-old Ajay Giri also chose to donate his organs after he was declared brain-dead. His kidneys were donated to GMC and Healthway Hospital, while his liver was allocated to Jupiter Hospital in Indore.
The two families were also honoured by the doctors and further assistance provided.
In the present case, GMC Dean has arranged for the mortal remains of the organ donor to be transported to his native village in Kerala for final rites.
"Organ donation is the greatest form of donation, requiring immense courage and generosity, my gratitude to the donor family for saying yes to organ donation in the time of grief," Dean S M Bandekar said.
