Donor families honoured at PGI for saving 80 lives

Sixteen donor families were honoured today by the PGI for their extraordinary decision to donate organs and tissues of their loved ones, collectively saving or transforming 80 lives. The recognition ceremony marked the inauguration of Samarthan 2026, a regional workshop on organ donation organised by the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) North.

Despite facing sudden personal loss, these families consented to organ donation, enabling 52 patients suffering from end-stage organ failure to receive life-saving transplants, while another 28 individuals regained their sight through corneal donations.

Addressing the gathering of more than 200 healthcare professionals and members of civil society, PGI Director Vivek Lal expressed deep gratitude to the families. He said the institute’s achievements in organ transplant were rooted in the courage and generosity shown by donor families, describing their decision as a profound act of moral strength.

Anil Kumar, Director of National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), highlighted that promoting voluntary deceased organ donation remained the most sustainable way to bridge the gap between demand and availability of organs. He emphasised the need to involve students as “ambassadors of change” to spread awareness and dispel myths surrounding organ donation.

Amarjeet Kaur, Senior Regional Director at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said the presence of donor families served as a powerful inspiration for the medical community to continue strengthening transplant programmes.

Families from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh were among those recognised. Many shared emotional reflections during the event, expressing hope that their loved ones’ organs would continue to give life to others.

The programme also featured technical workshops and a poster exhibition, encouraging the people to pledge their organs, reinforcing the message of hope and the spirit of giving life beyond loss.