176 year old govt hospital creates history by harvesting organs of a brain dead patient

Mangaluru: The organs of a 41- year old Rekha P, who was declared brain dead following brain haemorrhage, was retrieved at Government Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru for organ donation.

For the first time, the organs were harvested from the deceased donor for transplant in the 176 year old Wenlock Hospital, said Hospital Superintendent Dr DS Shivaprakash.

Rekha hailing from Shantinagara in Ragigudde of Shivamogga suffered from brain haemorrhage after she fell while drawing rangoli at her home. Though she was rushed to a private hospital in Shivamogga for treatment, her condition worsened. Later, she was referred to Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru.

She was brought to Mangaluru on January 6 night. Though she was treated for two days, her condition deteriorated despite exhaustive medical intervention. Despite doctors’ efforts, she did not show any sign of recovery. She was declared brain dead on January 8 by the panel of expert doctors as per the protocol stipulated by the Transplantation of Human Organ Act 1994.

Padma, a transplant coordinator from Jeevasarthakathe/SOTTO Karnataka Mangaluru zone, along with Nodal officer Dr Vijaykumar from Wenlock Hospital convinced the family members on organ donation. Accordingly, Prema’s brothers gave their approval for organ donation.

Dr Shivaprakash said that a team from Appollo BGS Hospital in Mysuru arrived at Wenlock, Hospital Mangaluru. Following the protocols outlined by Jeevasarthakathe, SOTTO, the liver was sent to Appollo BGS hospital. While corneas were sent to KMC Hospital in Mangaluru, which will help two people to get back their eye sight.

Superintendent hailed the act of organ donation as a noble endeavour to save lives. The organ donation at the hospital has sent a positive message to the society. He extended heartfelt gratitude to Rekha's family for their compassionate decision.

Rekha’s brother Sheshadri, a carpenter by profession, said “My sister’s condition had deteriorated by the time we reached Wenlock Hospital. There was no hope. But we are satisfied that her organs will help others to lead a life. After the authorities convinced us on organ donation, we too felt that we would have just buried her body if we had not opted for organ donation. Now, with the organ donation, my sister’s name will be remembered throughout.”

Rekha had lost her husband two years ago and was childless. After the death of her husband, she was staying at her parents house with her brothers.