In a dramatic turn of events on July 31, 2024, amid the torrential rains battering the Delhi/NCR region, Fortis Gurugram accomplished a life-saving feat.

 A heart from a 54-year-old brain-dead woman in Kolkata was successfully transplanted into a 34-year-old man from Rohtak, Haryana, who was critically ill with dilated cardiomyopathy.

This extraordinary operation, conducted under challenging conditions, showcases the incredible coordination and urgency required to save a life.

The heart, retrieved from a government hospital in Kolkata where the victim had been admitted, was transported to Delhi under remarkable circumstances. With approval from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), Fortis Gurugram's medical team traveled to Kolkata to collect the organ. Kolkata Police facilitated a green corridor for its swift transfer to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

The heart was flown to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport by Indigo Airlines, where a VIP exit allowed for rapid transfer despite heavy traffic and rain. Coordinated efforts between Delhi and Gurugram Police ensured the heart arrived at Fortis Gurugram in just 13 minutes, covering the 18 km distance.

Dr. Udgeath Dhir, leading the transplant team at Fortis Gurugram, noted the urgency of the procedure due to the patient’s advanced heart failure and reliance on an artificial heart support device. The entire operation, including the heart's retrieval and transplantation, was completed within approximately four hours, thanks to the support of around 100 police officers.

Post-surgery, the patient is stable and recovering in the Cardiac ICU. Fortis Gurugram faced significant financial challenges due to the patient's critical state, prompting outreach to the Haryana government and a fundraising campaign.

Mr. Yash Rawat, Facility Director at Fortis Gurugram, expressed gratitude to the donor's family, NOTTO, Indigo Airlines, and the police for their crucial roles in the transplant process. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in saving lives.

An Indigo Airlines spokesperson commended their staff for their swift action and commitment to the life-saving effort, acknowledging the crucial role of timely transportation.

In India, nearly 500,000 people face organ failure annually, yet only 2-3% receive transplants. The gap between organ demand and availability continues to grow, underscoring the need for increased organ donation awareness and action.