At 85, a retired government officer leaves behind a legacy of life through organ donation

Fgjk

At 85 a retired govt officer leaves behind a legacy of life through organ donation

New Delhi: A retired 85-year-old government official who had served in the Health Department suffered a severe stroke at home. The family immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital and was later shifted to HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka for advanced care. Despite intensive treatment and the best efforts of medical team, his condition did not stabilize, and was eventually declared brain dead on 3rd June 2026.

Amidst the moment of immense grief, the family chose to honour his values of service and compassion by consenting to organ donation. Following the family’s consent, the liver and corneas were donated, giving the gift of life to multiple recipients. The patient’s liver was transplanted in a 68-year-old patient. Both her corneas were sent to Nirmaya Eye Bank to restore sight and change lives.

*Dr. (Col) Avnish Seth VSM, Country Head - Manipal Organ Sharing & Transplant (MOST)* said “The family showed immense courage and generosity during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. What made this case significant was the age of the donor as he was 85 years old. Many people assume that advanced age automatically rules out organ donation, but it depends on the health and function of the organ. Their decision to honour his legacy through organ donation has helped give another individual a second chance at life and will continue to impact many more through corneal donation.”

*Dr. Shrikanth Srinivasan, Chairman - Manipal Institute of Critical Care Medicine* said, “Organ donation remains one of the most selfless gifts a person can offer, providing hope and healing to patients awaiting life-saving transplants. The patient had suffered a devastating stroke, and despite all medical interventions, he could not be saved. The courage shown by the family in consenting to donation during their moment of grief is truly commendable. Such acts of generosity remind us that even in our final moments, we have the power to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.”

India ranks third globally in the absolute number of organ transplants, yet its deceased donor rate remains critically low, at under one donor per million population. As per national data, out of the 25,000–30,000 liver transplants needed annually, there were 4,173 liver transplants done last year, including 3,338 from living donors, 828 from deceased donors. In the case of corneas, about 25,000 transplants are performed annually against a requirement of 1 lakh. Bridging this gap requires greater public awareness with timely identification of potential donors, and continued support for families.