Kolkata Witnesses Two Deceased Organ Donations in Three Days, Offering New Hope
In a heartening development for healthcare in West Bengal, Kolkata has experienced two deceased organ donations within a span of just three days, reigniting hope for thousands of patients struggling with organ failure. This surge in donations underscores a growing commitment to saving lives through organ transplantation in the region.
Recent Donation Saves Three Lives
On a recent Saturday, the organs of a 71-year-old woman from Howrah's Salkia area were successfully transplanted into three patients across multiple hospitals. Jharna Das was admitted to Apollo Multispecialty Hospital after suffering an intracranial haemorrhage at home. Despite receiving comprehensive medical care, doctors identified signs of irreversible brain stem cell death. Following apnoea tests that confirmed brain death, her family was approached about organ donation.
After obtaining consent, medical professionals assessed the viability of Das's organs and determined that her liver and kidneys were suitable for transplant. One kidney was allocated to Manipal Hospital in Mukundapur, while the other went to Command Hospital. Apollo Multispecialty Hospital retained the liver for transplantation, and the corneas were donated to Disha Eye Hospital. Sources indicate that all organ recipients are recovering well post-surgery, marking a successful outcome from this compassionate act.
Encouraging Trend in Organ Donation
This donation represents the second of the year in Kolkata, occurring merely two days after the first. Both donors were female, and both cases originated from Apollo Multispecialty Hospital. A specialist in GI critical care and liver transplant, who chairs the Bengal Organ Donation Society, commented on the significance of this rapid succession. "Despite a late start, two donations within three days is quite encouraging. We are trying our best to boost organ donation in the state by engaging with various stakeholders and the public," the specialist stated.
West Bengal has shown gradual progress in organ donation over the years. In 2025, the state recorded 17 deceased donations, its highest number since the movement began in 2010 with a single donation. The journey has seen fluctuations: after the initial donation in 2010, another followed in 2012, and then a gap of four years until 2016, which saw four donations. Since 2018, donations have consistently reached double digits annually, with the exception of 2020 during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even then, Kolkata managed six donations despite transplant activities being temporarily halted.
Addressing the Organ Shortage Crisis
Despite these advancements, the demand for donor organs in West Bengal far exceeds the supply. Current estimates reveal a significant waiting list: approximately 700 patients are awaiting kidney transplants, while around 200 need livers, 150 require hearts, and 30 are in need of lungs. This disparity highlights the urgent need for increased organ donation efforts.
A state health official emphasized ongoing initiatives to address this gap. "We are working hard to encourage more hospitals to make brain-dead declarations in cases of patients with this condition to increase deceased donation, which ultimately saves lives of those battling end-stage organ failure," the official explained. These efforts aim to foster a culture of organ donation and improve healthcare outcomes for critically ill patients.
The recent donations in Kolkata serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the life-saving impact of organ transplantation and the importance of continued public awareness and medical collaboration in this vital field.
