In a landmark achievement for Kodagu district, the first-ever organ procurement from a deceased donor was successfully carried out at the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Madikeri.
Forty-six-year-old Dalu from Aravathoklu village near Gonikoppa had been admitted to KIMS Hospital after sustaining severe head injuries in an accident. When treatment efforts failed, doctors suspected brainstem death. As mandated under Indian law, a two-stage examination by a medical board was conducted, and brainstem death was confirmed after 48 hours of observation.
Following this, Dalu’s wife Rajeshwari and family members took the humanitarian decision to donate his organs.
Since Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences has already received the necessary accreditation for organ procurement procedures, the matter was reported to the concerned state organ transplant authorities. The organ retrieval process was conducted under official guidelines and supervision.
The operation was carried out under the leadership of Dean and Director Dr. Lokesh A.J., Hospital Superintendent Dr. Somashekar and District Surgeon Dr. Nanju A.D. The ICU team led by Dr. Nishid Joseph, along with Nursing Officer Pawan, worked tirelessly to maintain the patient’s condition prior to organ retrieval. The surgery commenced at 2 am, during which two kidneys, heart valves and corneas were successfully harvested. Kidney retrieval was carried out by urosurgeons Dr. Sachin Dharwadkar and Dr. Vijayakumar from Mysuru. Dr. Abhinandan and Dr. Chandrashekar retrieved the heart valves, while Dr. Shruti and her team collected the corneas.
Nursing staff Jayashree, Anil and Manjunath, along with senior nursing officers Vasant and Mahesh, played key roles in the successful completion of the procedure.
The District Administration and Police Department made special arrangements for the transport of the organs. MLAs Dr. Mantar Gowda and A.S. Ponnanna also extended their support.
Later, Dalu’s mortal remains were handed over to the family with a solemn “Walk of Honour” conducted by doctors, nurses and hospital staff in recognition of the donor’s noble contribution. The family members were also felicitated.
Speaking on the occasion, Dean Dr. Lokesh A.J. described the event as a historic moment for Kodagu’s medical sector and said it would significantly help create awareness about organ donation in society.
At a time when the demand for organs is rapidly increasing in India, the decision taken by Dalu’s family has offered hope to many patients awaiting transplantation. Among those present were Dean and Director Dr. Lokesh A.J., Hospital Superintendent Dr. Somashekar, Dr. Nanjudaya, Dr. Abhinandan, Dr. Dhananjaya, Dr. Nishid Joseph, Dr. Ayyappa, Dr. Chetan, Dr. Pramod, Dr. Amita, Dr. Amulya,
Dr. Akshata, Dr. Chandrashekhar, Dr. Kripalini, Dr. Shruti, Dr. Aatish, Dr. Umesh Babu, Dr. Kishore Kumar, Dr. Prasanna, councillors Vinod Kumar and Karthik, postgraduate doctors, nursing officers and technical staff.
How to Participate in Organ Donation
Authorities stated that the best tribute to Dalu’s family would be for more citizens to come forward and register for organ donation.
People can register online using Aadhaar details through the official organ donation portal. Information can also be obtained through the national helpline number 1800-11-4770.
Importance of Organ Donation in India
India recorded nearly 18,900 organ transplant surgeries in 2024, the highest in the country’s history and the third highest globally after the United States and China. However, the number of deceased donors remains low at around 1,100. More than 63,000 people in India are currently awaiting kidney transplants, while nearly 22,000 patients require liver transplants.
Despite approximately 1.6 lakh road accident deaths occurring annually in the country, a majority of organs are not donated, largely due to lack of awareness and limited understanding of brain death.
Medical experts noted that a single organ donor has the potential to save up to eight lives and significantly improve the quality of life for several others.
