Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Nov 20: The decision of a grieving family to donate the organs of their 25-year-old son after he was declared brain dead has drawn widespread appreciation.

Harish S, who had sustained severe injuries in a road accident, was admitted to Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. After he was declared brain dead, his father consented to donate his son’s kidneys and corneas.

Kasturba Hospital Manipal expressed deep gratitude to the family for their noble gesture. Harish, aged 25, was declared brain dead on November 19 following a road accident. His father, Srinivas S, agreed to donate his organs, helping give a new lease of life to patients in need. The hospital described the act as an inspiring message to society.

Harish was brought to the hospital in a critical condition in the early hours of November 18 after the accident at Kalsanka at around 2.15 am. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he showed no neurological recovery. A series of tests to confirm brain-stem activity were conducted six hours apart. The first declaration was made at 12.46 pm on November 19 and the second at 6.50 pm the same day, after which death was confirmed by a panel of experts.

Acknowledging the family’s courage, Kasturba Hospital’s Manipal Cluster COO, Dr Sudhakar Kantipudi, said the act of kindness would save lives of patients awaiting transplants. He conveyed heartfelt condolences and deep appreciation for the family’s contribution to humanity.

The hospital also thanked Jeevasarthakathe (SOTTO), the police department, and all teams involved in ensuring the smooth and protocol-compliant retrieval process.

Kasturba Hospital’s medical superintendent Dr Avinash Shetty said the institution remains committed to promoting organ donation awareness and supporting families who choose to give the gift of life.