Mysore/Mysuru: A devastating incident took a hopeful turn as the family of H.R. Rakesh, a 28-year-old youth from Gundlupet, displayed tremendous courage and compassion by donating his organs after he was declared brain dead due to a brain stem infarct at Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru.

Rakesh was wheeled in on July 24 in a critical state, suffering from giddiness. A swift initial CT scan revealed a brain stem infarct, prompting immediate transfer to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for life support and intensive care.

Despite the hospital’s best efforts, Rakesh’s condition remained extremely critical over the next four days while he was on life support. On the fifth day, July 29, he was declared brain dead due to brain stem failure, in accordance with the hospital protocol and the Transplant of Human Organs Act of 1994.

Before the incident,  Rakesh had been in good health, and further tests confirmed his eligibility for organ donation. Following the defined protocols, Rakesh’s family was counselled for organ donation, and they willingly came forward to support the noble cause.

The organ donation process was initiated by officials from Jeeva Sarthakathe (formerly known as ZCCK). At approximately 11.30 pm on July 30, Rakesh’s organs, including two kidneys, one liver, heart valves, and corneas, were harvested.

The donated organs were allocated to different hospitals for transplant surgeries. One kidney was donated to Apollo BGS Hospitals while the other went to JSS Hospital. The liver was allocated to Apollo BGS Hospitals and the heart valves were sent to Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bengaluru. Corneas found their way to K.R. Hospital, Mysuru.

Apollo BGS Hospitals recognised as the 5th Zone for Organ Transplants under State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) in Karnataka, plays a crucial role in facilitating the crossmatch facility for organ transplants in the region.