Organ donation: In death, 58-year-old Patiala man saves lives of two kidney patients

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 28

Dr Kamal, a physician from Patiala, has exemplified the essence of selflessness by opting for the donation of his father Nachhatter Singh’s organs, thereby saving two lives.

Nachhatter Singh, a 58-year-old resident of Patiala, was admitted to the PGI on January 9 with an intra-cranial bleed. Despite exhaustive medical efforts, his condition deteriorated. He was declared brain dead on January 16.

What followed was an extraordinary display of compassion by the grieving family. Informed about the irretrievable condition of Nachhatter Singh, Dr Kamal, along with his supportive mother, made the courageous decision to donate his father’s organs. This act, in the face of their own tragedy, underscores the resilience and altruism that define the human spirit.

Lived his life caring for others

So when the doctors broke the news of my husband’s irretrievable condition, I thought that he lived his entire life caring for others. It seemed right that it should be his final act as well. —Nachhatter Singh’s wife

Prof Vivek Lal, Director, PGI, expressed gratitude to the donor family, stating, “The son, being a doctor himself, though knew about organ donation, yet taking a call for organ donation amid your own grief of losing your father is far more magnanimous than any eulogy or any words of gratitude. These are the people who instil confidence in humanity and make the PGI an inspiration.”

In an emotional reflection on his decision, Dr Kamal remarked, “Losing my father is undoubtedly heartbreaking, but being able to contribute to the lives of others through organ donation brings a sense of purpose to this loss. My father’s legacy lives on in the lives he has saved.”

Prof Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent at PGI and Nodal Officer, ROTTO (North), praised the donor family, emphasising their role in sustaining faith for the cadaver donation programme. “These families are the bedrock of the cadaver donation programme as they sustain faith for the cause. The donor’s story is a story of resurrection, of good coming a full circle,” he said. The kidneys retrieved from Nachhatter Singh were successfully transplanted on two patients suffering from end-stage kidney ailments at the PGI, offering a renewed lease of life. The recipients, who are recovering well, expressed gratitude to the donor family.

He lives on

Nachhatter Singh, a 58-year-old resident of Patiala, was admitted to the PGI on January 9 with an intra-cranial bleed. Despite exhaustive medical efforts, his condition deteriorated. He was declared brain dead on January 16. Exemplifying the essence of selflessness, his wife and son opted for the donation of his organs.

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