More than a part of Mangaluru's medical history, Jeevan lives on


Florine Roche
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 15: When the family members of Jeevan Vijay Fernandes (24) who was brain dead following an accident came forward to donate his organs, they did not know that it would be the first live organ harvest done in Mangaluru and that they would create medical history in Mangaluru and set a precedent. Though the family was in complete shock and in distress having lost a young and bubbling life tragically, it did not prevent them from coming forward to donate his organs. Though Jeevan is dead he lives through his heart valves donated to Narayana Hrudayalaya and Liver to BGS Global Hospital Bengaluru which have already been transplanted to patients there. True to his name Jeevan (life) lives and Vijay (victory) is victorious in the true sense of the term.

This entire exercise was possible through the Rapid Multi Organ Retrieval Programme done at AJ Hospital in association with a team of doctors from Zonal Coordination Committee of Karnataka for Transplantation. The procedure was carried out in a matter of 12 hours after the family came forward to donate till the organ was transported to Bengaluru by a special chartered flight. The AJ Hospital worked in coordination with the Mangalore traffic police, who had created a zero traffic corridor to enable its smooth transport from AJ Hospital to Mangalore International Airport at late night on Monday, April 13.


Family


Why Bengaluru and not Mangaluru?

It is true that donating organs gives a new lease of life for those who can survive with donor organs no matter where they live. But a natural question arises: why take the circuitous route of transporting the organs all the way to Bengaluru? Don’t we have kidney transplantation facility in Mangaluru if not liver transplantation? Why not donate them to recipients waiting for Kidney or liver transplantation in Mangaluru instead of taking the risk and adopting the cumbersome procedure of sending them to Bengaluru?

Dr Sudhesh Rao, Chief Intensivist, Department of Critical Care at AJ Hospital, who was part of this first of its kind of procedure in Mangalore, said the time constraint was the major hurdle as far as Kidney transplantation is concerned. “We don’t have a cross matching process which is vital for organ transplantation. Cross matching process is done only in Manipal Hospital but the time constraint was the major factor. If we had a ready team working on cross matching procedure we could have done it immediately. But Jeevan’s condition was precarious as his heart beat was falling and we could not take chances. Otherwise the entire exercise would be futile. Finally Jeevan cardiac arrest and we had to revive it to keep him alive before the procedure. Though Mangalore has facilities for planned kidney transplantation we could not do the emergency case. Moreover we don’t have liver transplant facility in Mangaluru”, Dr Sudhesh pointed out.


Dr Sudheesh Rao

“It is not just the retrieval of organs that matter. We must have proper arrangement to transplant them and that calls for tremendous coordination and working in tandem, which is not there as of now here in Mangaluru”, he said. The recipient patient has to be kept ready in the shortest possible time to transplant the organ simultaneously. Moreover, except for private hospitals there is no comprehensive list of patients waiting for donors on the lines of Zonal Cooordination Committee of Karnataka for Transplantation, (ZCCKT) a government body in Bengaluru. Whenever there is a donor the organs are provided to the patients as per the waiting list order.

But Dr Sudhesh feels that it is high time for Mangaluru to have this kind of facility now that Jeevan’s family has set a precedent through their noble gesture. “The time has come to make this facility available even to the common people in Mangaluru. Jeevan Vijay in fact gave us an opportunity to show that can do it”.


Time management after crucial decision

For Dr Sudhesh Rao and his team it was more of time management to follow the protocol before they could successfully carry out this extraordinary feat of organ harvest. The idea donating the organs was mooted by Jennifer, the elder sister of Jeevan who works in AJ Hospital. Jennifer had resigned from AJ as her marriage is scheduled for May 4, 2015. April 14 was her last working day at the hospital. The doctors told the family that Jeevan was brain dead but the family decided to keep him on ventilation as his sister Gloria who was in Bahrain wanted to see him alive.

To continue the ventilation support at the behest of his sister proved to be the most vital decision as it gave time for Jennifer to reminisce that Jeevan often used to talked about donating parts of his body. When she got this brainwave she lost no time in suggesting it to her family and soon the family was in touch with the doctors of the hospital. Jennifer also took the responsibility of convincing her mother and her sick father. “My father was initially hesitant but I succeeded in convincing him”, says Jennifer. The hospital, though was not adequately equipped to handle the situation, swung into action to follow the protocol.

Talking to Daijiworld.com Jennifer said that she suddenly remembered that Jeevan used to express his desire to donate his body parts. “I often used to talk about my hospital experience with my family. Naturally there was also talk about organ donation and that is when Jeevan used to tell he wants to donate his body organs. I never used to give a serious thought to this until this day when I was actually faced with this reality. He also used to tell that he wanted instant death and did not want to suffer and that is what happened to him, Jennifer recalls.


Melwyn Saldanha

The first step as far as organ donation is concerned is that the patient had to be declared brain dead and this has to be declared by three doctors - a Neurologist, an Intensivist and a Physician. They have to test and cross check and they have to declare it two times in a gap of six hours. Doctors can go ahead with organ harvest procedure only after this declaration is done. In the meantime Jeevan’s cousin Melwyn Saldanha who is associated with various activities of Lions club, got in touch with a NGO and through that contacted ZCCKT. Once ZCCKT was involved the entire responsibility was taken over by them including coordinating with airport authorities and AJ hospital. ZCCKT doctors were constantly in touch with the team of doctors from AJ Hospital and by 7.30 pm the chartered flight had arrived in Mangaluru. After two hour long operation the organs were transported through zero hour traffic to Mangalore Airport and from there to Bengaluru. “We wanted to donate the lungs and the pancreas also but could not due to time constraint”, Jennifer said.

For AJ hospital also it was the experience in handling live organ harvest and there was not much time as they had to follow the protocol. The hospital administration got in touch with District administration for providing and the zero traffic corridors for the safe transport of the organs. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Uday Nayak said “though zero traffic corridors has been provided earlier during the visit of VVIP’s it was for the first time this facility is provided for transporting human organs. Since it was night vehicles had difficulty to know the presence of traffic police to ensure zero traffic. We had to use torch lights to stop flow of traffic during that period. But the general public was were aware of the incident and they cooperated with us”.

Dr Sudhesh terms the family’s decision to donate organs as “a splendid gesture which calls for tremendous courage, conviction and selflessness. It has really taken us by surprise considering that Jeevan’s father also suffers from cancer. We must really appreciate the family’s decision to be so brave especially when faced with the cataclysm they have been facing. It is no joke to be benevolent in such situations”.


Helmet could have saved Jeevan?

Jeevan had met with an accident at Adyar on April 10 while riding in his Yamah FZ bike towards Mangaluru to attend a Mehndi programme in Jeppu along with his friend. He had applied brakes to avoid hitting a pedestrian who had suddenly crossed the road. Both Jeevan and his friend, who is now recuperating in hospital with fractures were thrown to the road. Jeevan had severe head injuries and was almost brain dead when brought to hospital. There was no other injury on Jeevan’s body except the head injury. If he was wearing the helmet at the time he would have been alive and would have witnessed his sister’s wedding scheduled for May 4, 2015.


Jeevan's uncles Sylvester  Noronha and Naveen Saldanha

In fact, Jeevan was wearing the helmet in the wrong place - on his hand like a bangle, a scene familiar in the streets of Mangaluru among youngsters. Jeevan who was working in his uncle Naveen Saldanha’s Mangalore Auto Body Parts at Padil was a very hard working and jovial fellow with no bad habits. The only habit he had and which ultimately proved to be his undoing, was rash riding and riding without helmet. The monstrous Yamaha FZ was bigger than his 5.3” frame and it is said that even the showroom people had advised him against buying it. Uncles Hibert Saldanha and Sylvester Noronha say that they always used to caution him against his rash driving and for not wearing helmet.

"He used to listen in one ear and leave it in the other," says Hibert who had lost his son four years back in a bike accident, though in different circumstances.

Naveen who is completely shaken by the loss of his nephew and faithful employee for the last 4 years opines that Jeevan had tremendous zest for life. "He was a good drummer and never used to miss playing for brass bands whenever he got an opportunity. If only he had heeded to our requests...."

Jeevan has been a part of the medical history of Mangaluru. Let us hope his death serves as a timely reminder for all those youngsters who fail to protect themselves in their appetite for momentary pleasures.

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Sr.arti CFMSS, Dehradun

    Sun, Apr 19 2015

    May God bless the family and comfort and console them. Even God is so proud of you Jeevan . You live now in the hearts of many.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Doris, Canada

    Fri, Apr 17 2015

    Rest In Peace Jeevan!!!! Condolences to his family. Here in Canada we have donor cards that people could fill and also Living Wills for people to make decisions regarding their wishes of medical care. Jeevan you have left this world too soon but you will live on in the hearts of people that you have touched "Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep".

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ravindran, Puttur

    Fri, Apr 17 2015

    Adore those who stood for this decision - Jeevan everliving!!

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Frederick D'Cunha, Bijai, Mangalore

    Thu, Apr 16 2015

    Jeevan will live amongst us years to come.May the good Lord grant him eternal peace and joy in heaven.A WORD OF CAUTION TO OUR YOUNG MEN-Please drive your two wheeler always wearing a helmet.Remember that SPEED THRILLS BUT KILLS. IT'S BETTER TO BE LATE IN THIS WORLD THAN TO BE EARLY IN THE NEXT.

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Melwyn Saldanha, Mangalore

    Thu, Apr 16 2015

    Yes LN Rego. I agree what you spelled here. Only a well matured person can act as his wish. Personally i'm a donor & i understand what it stands for. Thank you for the interest shown in this case. It can inspire many more young people to come forward to save the people's who are in need.

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • mustahfa, mangalore

    Thu, Apr 16 2015

    May his soul rest in peace..
    good decision by the family, thank you

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Oszy D' Souza, Mangalore/Mumbai.

    Thu, Apr 16 2015

    JEEVAN VIJAI FERNANDES, JVF, May His Soul Rest in PEACE, Condolences to his BRAVE Family, SIr, we Mangalorians can request District Administration or Church authorities A life long REMEMBRANCE ON DEPARTED SOUL This is only request.

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Pinto, Mangalore

    Fri, Apr 17 2015

    Dear Ozzy, I agree your request. Jeevan is true role model as a Christian mission. But your comment related District Administration & Church authorities. Is shame to say that, there is only two priests for condolence mass. No Bishop or his reprehensive & not ever Ward priest or neighbor Priest. Same has Political leaders. Just imagine if Jeevan is from wealthy back ground definitely we can see the difference

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Melwyn, Mangalore

    Thu, Apr 16 2015

    As this incident/sacrifice inspired me would like to know what is the procedures(legal paper work) I have to follow to donate my eyes, body organs if I wish to do so after my death.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • L N Rego, Bendur

    Thu, Apr 16 2015

    Dear Asren i generally don't answer this kind of comments. Since you have challenged my opinion let me tell you about my commitment.I am a regular Blood donor at Fr Mullers and KMC, Mangalore and Key person in creating Blood donation and organ donation camps during my Youth activity (As a president too) secondly i have already signed for donating my eyes after death.
    You and me can write comments (As you stated)and show our sympathy, since i give Talks and take up TV shows this is the one way where in i can inspire others to take example of Jeevan and emulate him. I commend the decision of his family openly
    Tell me what will be your contribution in this regard?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Arun, Manipal / Dubai

    Thu, Apr 16 2015

    May Your Soul Rest In Peace Jeevan...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Preema saldanha , Manglore/Banglore

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    RIP jeevan... Wil miss u a lot.. U will be an Angel in Heaven :-)

    DisAgree [3] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, BAHRAIN

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Great man. May his soul rest in peace forever. His family/parents also deserves all praise as life savers. Thanks guys.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Avita Vas, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Right and great decision is taken at the right time. Hats off Jinny & family. He may be physically not with us, but he will be alive in our hearts forever.

    May his soul rest in peace.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Manglorean, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Jeevan mujhem thuka bhetailely yek khanik zaundhi......

    DisAgree [4] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vijay, MANGALORE

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    God Bless this Young Child and His Big Hearted Family.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Naveen, Udupi

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    GOD bless the family.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chetan Kamath, mangaluru

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Rest in peace Jeevan, u have won many hearts even after ur death. More over big salute to ur family members who had given d permission to donate ur organs for the needy even in such a critical situation to them. wish u had obeyed ur uncles saying of wearing ur helmet and riding safely.This will be a example fr the guys who wear there helmet somewhere else and ride very fast.

    May Your Soul Rest In Peace Jeevan.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • INDIAN, INDIA

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    JEEVAN IS A GREAT HERO AND BRAVE SOLDIER. WHO FORETHOUGHT ALMOST HIS DESTINY AND AS WELL ENDED THE SAME BY SACRIFICING HIMSELF TO SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE. GOVT. NEED TO PAY A DEBT OF THIS TO HIS PARENTS FOR SUCH A GREAT ACT OF SACRIFICE. MAY YOUR MEMORIES LIVE LONG IN THE HEARTS OF EVERYONE FOR YOUR THOUGHT AND ACT. MAY THE SOUL OF THIS ANGEL REST IN PEACE... RIP

    DisAgree [2] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Praveen leo, Bantwal

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Jeevan you save 4 people life .we all miss u but u r always with us .may god rest u in peace (rip)

    DisAgree [1] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • ali, mangalore

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Jeevan!! May rest in peace

    DisAgree [6] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Asren, Mangalore/Dubai

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Dear LN,

    You said you will use this as a best acts in your talk. But are you ready to act the same way!!.. Its easy to talk about it, but only few can do it.. Everyone can use it as a best example, but are you & me ready to sacrifice after listening to a talk..

    DisAgree [11] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • L N Rego, Bendur

    Thu, Apr 16 2015

    Dear Asren i generally don't answer this kind of comments. Since you have challenged my opinion let me tell you about my commitment.I am a regular Blood donor at Fr Mullers and KMC, Mangalore and Key person in creating Blood donation and organ donation camps during my Youth activity (As a president too) secondly i have already signed for donating my eyes after death.
    You and me can write comments (As you stated)and show our sympathy, since i give Talks and take up TV shows this is the one way where in i can inspire others to take example of Jeevan and emulate him. I commend the decision of his family openly
    Tell me what will be your contribution in this regard?

    DisAgree Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • sujitha lobo, manglore

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    hats off to you Jeevan.you have given life in your death.you did the same thing what Jesus did.you are a true follower of Christ.hats off to your family.great achievement .

    DisAgree [1] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alban D Souza, Udyavara/Bajjodi/Mumbai/Doha Qatar

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    There is no greater love than giving ones own life for others. Lord Jesus said. This is proved by Jeevan just a young man who had dreams in life .But He gave away His dreams/life in order to save a poor man. But God has more plans for Him. So he took Him to his abode in Heaven and he lives there for ever. Also Jeevan will lives here on earth in the hearts of lacs of people and remain immortal. Bold decision by his parents to give His body parts to save others. May God bless His family abundantly.

    DisAgree Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • L N Rego, Bendur

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    What a Gesture! we all die one day only few live even after death and Jeevan you are one among those fortunate. I Salute Parents, Jenifer and his other siblings for the courage shown at this point of Tragic loss of your beloved Jeevan.
    I will definitely use this as one of the best acts during my talk.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fr Felix Monteiro, Badyar

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    JEEVAN JOY FERNANDES IS IN HEAVEN NOW, NO DOUBT. BUT, HIS NAME AND SACRIFICE TO SAVE THE PEDESTRIAN WILL REMAIN IN THE HEARTS OF HUNDREDS FOR MANY MANY YEARS. HE WILL BE A MODEL TO OUR YOUNGSTERS. HIS PARENTS AND SIBLINGS ARE THE ROLE MODELS TO EVERY ONE IN THE SOCIETY. EVEN THOUGH THEY LOST THEIR BELOVED, BREAD WINNER OF THE FAMILY THEY THOUGHT OF SOME ONE AND TO GIVE LIFE TO SOMEONE. CONGRATS.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • lukas, malpe

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    donor's family should get help from the hospital or government,because my guess these organ transplant to the person who has corrupt money not ordinary people .so media should discuss deep In this issue as we know how kidney racket happened so many hospital in India even send to other country where they get lots of money.but in middle east government will pay around 10 lakh money if family donate organ.

    DisAgree Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kiran, Bangalore

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    If anyone happened to Visit Bangalore , you will see women not wearing helmets but men wearing them. Women only make sure that they wear a cooling glass . They think they can escape with a smile to the RTO Officials with all sorts of reasons like hot weather , hair loss etc . This is the sorry state of affairs .

    DisAgree [1] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shakuna, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Salute to Jeevan Vijay's family...

    DisAgree Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prakash, Dubai

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    RIP Jeevan Vijay Fernandes. Even though you are no more, A Big salute to you man. you will be remembered by us always.

    DisAgree Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • vikram, Dubai

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    I salute you & your family....great example for everyone who fights each other for silly matters.

    DisAgree Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • CONRAD JOHN TAURO, SHIRVA/UDUPI/DUBAI

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Jeevan Jyothi.

    DisAgree Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • cleta f prabhu, mangalore

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    A great gesture on the part of the family of Jeevan.He lives on true to his name. May his soul RIP.

    DisAgree Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • shaeed kk kalladka, Dubai

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    God Bless You Jeevan

    DisAgree Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • JACINTHA, MANGALORE

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    jeevans sick father has to get free medication and family has to get some financial help for doing this great deed since jeevan was a working member and his organs gave life to other people. May his soul rest in peace and let almighty give strength to his family .

    DisAgree [1] Agree [66] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prasanna, Vittal

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Egina kaaladalli jeevavannu thegeyuvare jaasthiyaagiddare, Jeevan's family well done for others life donating organs.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ahmed, Doha / Mangalooru

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    God Bless You Jeevan.

    DisAgree Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bollu, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    The decision of family members at the hour of their tragedy to donate the organs of their beloved is very bold, highly commendable and serves as an example to others.May Jeevan RIP,

    DisAgree Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lloyd Dsouza, Dubai/Surathkal

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    God Bless Jeevan's Great Family.....RIP Jeevan.... you will remain evergreen in our memories.All Mangaloreans specially Christians are Proud of Jeevan and his family

    DisAgree Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • saleem, Brahmavar

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    I salute to the entire family and the AJ hospital doctor’s team. Yes… Jeevan not deceased. His memories
    Always there in our hearts. Who ever benefited from his organs they are lucky enough to remember him for their entire life.

    DisAgree Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Jeevan continues to live in our hearts ...

    DisAgree Agree [55] Reply Report Abuse

  • alwin, mangalore

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Young boys please control your speed while driving any type of vehicle.You have seen so many young people are dying in accidents and create panic in their family. May his soul rest in peace.

    DisAgree Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • TTS, Kadri

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    "ಜೀವನ್" ಎಷ್ಟು ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಹೆಸರು. ಹೆಸರಿಗೆ ತಕ್ಕಂತೆ ಇನ್ನೊಬ್ಬರಿಗೆ ಜೀವ ಕೊಟ್ಟ ಜೀವನಾ... ನಿನ್ನ ನೆನಪು ನಮ್ಮ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯವರಲ್ಲಿ ಅಜರಾಮರವಗಿರುತ್ತದೆ. ನಿನ್ನ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿ ಸಿಗಲಿ.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [73] Reply Report Abuse

  • India First, India

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Jeevan Vijay Fernandes will remain in our hearts for ever! Great Soul

    DisAgree Agree [75] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lydia Lobo, Kadri

    Wed, Apr 15 2015

    Hats off to the departed soul - RIP - and to his brave family members.

    If at all there will be an option to click what type of death one would prefer, I will click the type of Jeevan's death, without an iota of hesitation.

    I wish best of health to those who benefited out of his organs' donation and solace to his grieving family members.

    DisAgree Agree [87] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: More than a part of Mangaluru's medical history, Jeevan lives on



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