Chandigarh, January 24
In a remarkable demonstration of medical excellence, compassion, and inter-institutional coordination, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, achieved a significant milestone by successfully retrieving and transplanting vital organs from AIIMS Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, under exceptionally challenging circumstances. Battling biting cold, incessant rain, strong winds, prolonged road travel, and critical time constraints, PGIMER’s transplant teams ensured that the precious gift of life reached waiting recipients without compromise.
Expressing deep gratitude and pride, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, said, “This organ donation stands as a powerful reminder that humanity shines brightest in moments of loss. Despite harsh weather, long distances, and immense time pressure, our teams were resolute that no organ—and no life—would be lost due to logistical challenges. The selfless decision of the donor family, combined with extraordinary teamwork across institutions, has given multiple patients a renewed lease on life and sustained the hope of many more.”
From sudden loss emerged a legacy of life. Raghu Paswan (42 years) was admitted to AIIMS Rishikesh on 16.01.2026 after sustaining critical injuries following a fall from a two-storey building. He suffered severe traumatic brain injury and, despite all possible medical interventions, was declared brain dead. Rising above immeasurable grief, the family made the courageous decision to donate his organs, offering hope and life to multiple patients awaiting transplants across the country.
Following this noble decision, organ allocation was carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOA), 1994, and established national allocation protocols through coordinated efforts of NOTTO and ROTTO North, ensuring transparency, equity, and timeliness. The liver, one kidney, and pancreas were allocated to PGIMER, Chandigarh; one kidney to AIIMS, New Delhi; the heart to Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi; and the lungs to Apollo Hospital, Chennai—extending the donor’s legacy of life across multiple regions of India.
In a remarkable display of commitment, precision, and endurance, a dedicated PGIMER liver transplant team undertook an urgent organ retrieval and transplant mission involving overnight road travel and a marathon surgical procedure, saving a critically ill patient.
Highlighting the surgical and logistical challenges, Prof. L. Kaman, Head, Department of General Surgery, PGIMER , remarked, “A dedicated liver transplant team comprising Dr. Swapnesh Kumar Sahu and Dr. Shibojit departed from Chandigarh at 9:00 PM on 22 January 2026 for AIIMS Rishikesh along with a pancreas transplant team comprising of Dr Shivakumar Patil and Dr Praneeth . After nearly six hours of continuous road travel, the teams reached AIIMS Rishikesh by 3:00 AM and were rushed directly to the Operation Theatre for preparation and coordination.”
The organ retrieval commenced at 9:00 AM and was successfully completed by 12:00 PM, following which a Green Corridor was created to ensure time-bound transportation of the liver graft. The teams immediately began the return journey and reached PGIMER Chandigarh by 3:00 PM, where they were taken straight to the Operation Theatre for transplantation. Notably, for the first time, a liver was transported by road from AIIMS Rishikesh to PGIMER under severe weather conditions to minimize ischemia time”, added Prof. Kaman.
Emphasizing the impact on recipients, Prof. Ashish Sharma, Head, Renal Transplant, PGIMER, said, “There are only a handful of pancreas transplant programs in the country whereas there are lot of patients with diabetes and kidney failure. Pancreas is an extremely time-sensitive organ where retrieval and transplantation have to be completed within the 12 hours window. Here we were stretched to the limit, given the distances involved but eventually could complete the surgery within that timeframe by segregating teams. Whereas Dr Shivakumar retrieved the pancreas, Dr Deepesh Kenwar initiated the recipient surgery while the organ was in transit. The pancreas was transplanted to a 28-year-old lady who was struggling with diabetes and was on multiple daily injections of insulin since 8 years of age and is showing complete signs of recovery. We have the experience of nearly 10 such organs being transported from various hospitals across North India including AIIMS Rishikesh, AIIMS Jodhpur, Sir Gangaram Hospital New Delhi in addition to those retrieved from other hospitals in the tricity.”
Coordinating the complex multi-state logistics, Dr. (Maj.) RPS Bhogal, Associate Professor, Department of Hospital Administration, PGIMER, stated, “This mission was a test of real-time coordination under extreme pressure. Synchronising multiple transplant teams, ensuring uninterrupted inter-state movement, and navigating adverse weather demanded flawless administrative and on-ground support. A special mention must be made of Mr. Sanjiv Kumar, Security Officer, PGIMER, who went out of his way to coordinate with Superintendents of Police across multiple districts when one convoy vehicle lagged behind, ensuring seamless movement. The exemplary cooperation extended by state administrations, traffic police, NOTTO, ROTTO North, and hospital authorities enabled timely green corridors and flawless execution—without such collective resolve, this time-critical organ transfer would not have been possible. Special credit goes to the SP Traffic, UT Chandigarh, for the swift response in integrating seamlessly with state traffic authorities, ensuring uninterrupted passage and timely creation of green corridors.”
This organ donation not only saved multiple lives but also marked a significant milestone in inter-state organ sharing and transplant coordination. PGIMER reiterates its unwavering commitment to strengthening organ donation awareness, enhancing retrieval and transport mechanisms, and honouring the extraordinary generosity of donor families who choose life for others even in their darkest moments.
