Organ donation in India is still at a nascent stage. But there are many noble minds who take brave and sensible decision when it matters the most. A recent incident at KMCH Coimbatore highlighted the importance of taking a timely decision to donate organs which in turn can save several other lives.
S. Thangavelu, the father of a deceased five and half-year-old child, T. Janasruthi, voluntarily came forward and donated his child’s organs. On the fateful day on January 2, 2016, Janasruthi was on her way to attend school (she was a student of first standard of Govt Middle School, Thanthonimalai). She was travelling in a two wheeler along with her mother and sister. An accident took place near Thanthonimalai in Karur district of Tamil Nadu where Janasruthi suffered from severe head injury. She was administered first aid at a hospital near the accident spot, from where she was brought to a private hospital for treatment in Coimbatore. After a couple of days, the situation worsened and the child was shifted to KMCH for better treatment. On January 5, 2016, after a visit by a team of doctors from Coimbatore Govt Medical College Hospital, she was declared brain dead.
Thangavelu approached the doctors at KMCH and wanted to know whether the child’s organs can be donated. Subsequently, Janasruthi’s organs were harvested at KMCH. One kidney was sent to Fortis, Chennai, another was given to KMCH, Coimbatore, one heart valve was sent to Madras Medical Mission, Chennai, the liver was sent to Apollo, Chennai and the eyes were donated to Arvind Eye Hospital.
Thangavelu’s timely decision made his daughter’s organ reach six different people and made them smile forever.
Dr Arun Palaniswami, Director – Quality Systems, KMCH, Coimbatore expressed his gratitude and was all praise for Thangavelu and his family for their timely action in extending the consent. He also made a note that with an increasing awareness on organ donation, KMCH, Coimbatore is completely equipped with its infrastructure to donate/ receive/ transplant organs 24/7 and 365 days a year. It has emerged as the only multi organ transplant centre in Tamil Nadu.