Media Release

Udupi, Aug 28: The family of Pranav Hegde, a 41-year-old resident of Manipal, Udupi district, consented to the donation of his organs after he was declared brain dead at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, giving several patients a fresh chance at life.

Pranav Hegde was admitted on August 17 in a serious condition. Despite the sincere efforts of the doctors, his condition did not improve, and he was declared brain dead. In keeping with the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, brain death was formally confirmed twice by a panel of authorized expert doctors.

Following the confirmation, the family came forward and consented to organ donation. At a time of deep personal grief, their decision reflected rare courage and a spirit of giving.

The donation was coordinated through Jeevasarthakathe and the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO), Bengaluru. The liver and one kidney were sent to AJ Hospital, Mangaluru, and the corneas to KMC, Attavar. Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, retained one kidney for a registered patient awaiting transplantation.

Dr Sudhakar Kantipudi, chief operating officer, teaching hospitals, MAHE, Manipal, and Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, appreciated the family's decision and spoke of the value of organ donation in saving lives.

"Organ donation is one of the greatest gifts a person can give to another human being. At a time of great personal loss, the family of Pranav Hegde has shown remarkable courage in choosing to give others a chance at life. We are deeply grateful to them for this noble gesture," they said.

The hospital placed on record its heartfelt gratitude to the family for their generosity, which has brought hope to patients awaiting transplantation.