First organ donation in Kodagu; The organs of a 46-year-old brain-dead man were obtained at KIMS

Doctors and medical staff of the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Madikeri, where the organs of the brain-dead accident victim were successfully retrieved for donation. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

In the early hours of Saturday morning, organ harvesting was successfully done at the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Madikeri, marking the first organ donation in Kodagu district.

In a procedure described as a major milestone in the medical history of Kodagu district, kidneys, heart valves and corneas were successfully retrieved from a 46-year-old accident victim after he was declared brain dead.

Accident victim Dalu, 46, whose organs were harvested at KIMS in Madikeri for donation. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

It is said here that Dalu, a resident of Aravathoklu village near Gonikoppal, sustained serious head injuries in the accident and was admitted to KIMS Hospital. Despite the treatment and after 48 hours of observation, the medical board performed an examination and confirmed the death of the patient’s brain stem.

“At this critical moment, Dalu’s wife Rajeshwari and other family members took a deeply humanitarian decision to agree to organ donation,” the statement said.

As KIMS, Madikeri has already received recognition from the State Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organization (SOTTO) and National Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organization (NOTTO), the case was reported to SOTTO and the organ procurement process was initiated.

The operation was performed under the guidance of the dean and director of KIMS Dr. Lokesh AJ, Hospital Superintendent Dr. Somashekhar and District Surgeon Dr. Nanjundayya. ICU specialist Dr. Nisheed Joseph and nurse Pavan maintained the physiological stability of the donor.

“The operation started at 2 am during which both the kidneys, heart valves and corneas were successfully retrieved. Urologist Dr. Sachin Dharwadkar and Dr. Vijaykumar, who came from Mysuru, performed the removal of the kidney. Dr. Abhinandan and Dr. Chandrashekhar retrieved the heart valves while her corneas team retrieved the heart valves.

Transportation of the organs to the hospital for transplantation to the recipients was arranged by Deputy Commissioner SJ Somashekar and Kodagu District Superintendent of Police Bindu Rani RN

Later, Dalu’s mortal remains were handed over to the family through a ceremonial “Walk of Honor”. The doctors, hospital staff and nursing team paid tribute to the donor’s service to humanity and the family was honored for their noble decision. “At a time when the need for organs is growing rapidly in India, Dalu’s family’s decision has given new hope to many lives,” said Dr. Lokesh.

According to a statement here, India will see around 18,900 organ transplants in 2024 – the most in the country’s history – giving India the third highest number of organ transplants in the world after the United States and China.

However, the number of deceased donors was only around 1,100. While more than 63,000 people in the country are waiting for a kidney transplant, nearly 22,000 need a liver transplant, the statement said.

Although India witnesses approximately 1.6 million deaths in road accidents every year, most organs are never donated. The primary reasons are that families have never talked about the subject and that awareness of “brain death” remains limited, the statement said, while emphasizing that “one donor can save or change the lives of up to eight people.”

Those interested in donating organs can register online. “Registration of organ donation can be completed within minutes using Aadhaar on NOTTO website. Registration is also possible through Jeevasarthakathe (SOTTO-Karnataka),” the statement said, adding that information can also be obtained through NOTTO helpline: 1800-11-4770.

Published – 23 May 2026 20:57 IST