In a Heroic Act of Organ Donation, 21-Year-Old Young Woman Gives Gift of Life to Five Individuals

In a Heroic Act of Organ Donation, 21-Year-Old Young Woman Gives Gift of Life to Five Individuals 

- A Green Corridor was created between Fortis Shalimar Bagh to Terminal 1 of IGI Airport, covering a distance of 26 kms in mere 30 minutes to transport the intestines - 

 New Delhi, 02 May, 2025: In a profound act of courage and compassion, the family of a 21-year-old road accident victim chose to donate her organs, transforming personal tragedy into hope for others. The donation was made possible through the clinical expertise of the multi-disciplinary team at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, alongwith the seamless coordination with support staff and authorities. 

The young woman was rushed to Fortis Shalimar Bagh in a critically unstable condition, after sustaining a severe head injury in a road accident. A CT scan revealed a rapidly enlarging intracranial blood clot. Despite prompt and intensive medical intervention, her condition deteriorated and she was placed on ventilator support. After thorough evaluation by the certified brain death committee, she was declared brain dead. 

The medical team then sensitively counselled the grieving family on the option of organ donation. Demonstrating extraordinary strength in their moment of loss, the family consented to donate her liver, kidney, small intestine and corneas - offering the gift of life to multiple recipients. The organ retrieval procedure, which lasted approximately six hours, involved meticulous coordination across departments. Her liver and one kidney were successfully transplanted at Fortis Shalimar Bagh. The corneas were donated to Shroff Eye Centre and the small intestine was transported to Nanavati Max Hospital in Mumbai. A green corridor from Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh to Terminal 1 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport facilitated the transfer of the intestine in just 30 minutes. Covering a distance of 26 kms between 1:49 PM and 2:20 PM. The dedication and precision shown by the hospital’s medical teams, administrators, support staff and traffic police, exemplify the best of what coordinated care can achieve. 

Giving details of the case, Dr. Sonal Gupta, Senior Director & HOD, Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh said, “This inspiring case highlights the critical importance of organ donation and the life-changing impact it can have. While brain injuries often result in tragedy, organ donation allows families to turn their loss into a legacy of hope.” 

Dr. Pankaj Kumar, Senior Director, Critical Care, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh said, “Severe head injuries, stroke, and hypoxic brain insult can lead to irreversible brain damage in certain cases. In such unfortunate circumstances, when other organs remain functional, a family’s selfless decision can offer others a second chance at life” 

Mr. Deepak Narang, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh said, “This case stands as a powerful reminder of the life-saving potential of organ donation. We salute the donor’s family and hope their courage will inspire others. We thank NOTTO and the efforts by Delhi Traffic Police to make the entire procedure seamless.” 

According to the latest data from NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization), India continues to grapple with a severe shortage of organ donors. Once a patient is declared brain dead, hospitals are permitted to counsel the family regarding organ donation. In accordance with NOTTO protocols and guidelines, the treating hospital is responsible for providing all necessary information and securing the required clearances for a potential organ donation. 

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