21-year-old’s organs gives new lease on life to four

The organs of 21-year-old Jyoti from Mohali have given a new lease of life to four patients.

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Jyoti passed away at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on April 8 after suffering fatal head injuries in a road accident. Despite the immense grief, her family honoured her memory by choosing to donate her organs. Her kidneys and corneas have been transplanted on the patients.

“We lost our daughter, the heart of our family,” said her father, Virender Kumar. Her mother, Geeta, tearfully shared, “I couldn’t give her away in marriage, but she will live on through the donations.”

PGIMER doctors undertook the complex procedure under the Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) protocol, where organs must be retrieved within 60 minutes of cardiac arrest. Deepesh Kenwar, from the Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, explained the challenge, noting that it was the 19th DCD at PGIMER, benefiting 30 patients so far.

PGIMER Director Vivek Lal, meanwhile, praised the family’s courage, calling it an “extraordinary act of strength” that exemplifies humanity’s best. Medical Superintendent Vipin Koushal echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of conversations around organ donation.

Jyoti’s selfless act, supported by a dedicated team from PGIMER, transformed personal tragedy into renewed life for four others.