Brain dead woman's final act of kindness

Following the 63-year-old schoolteacher's last wish, her family donated her kidneys, eyes and liver to spreadawareness, help improve other people's lives

School teacher Minakshi R Shete has given a new lease of life to five people. Respecting the last wish of the 63-yearold, who was brain dead, her family members donated her kidneys, eyes and liver.

“My mother taught at a municipal school. She was quite aware of the importance of organ donation.We are proud that she donated her body to help others lead a better life,“ said her son Ronak Shete, who works with a private farm.

Doctors from the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) removed her

organs on Monday and transplanted them in five people on Tuesday --the day she was cremated.

The Isanpur resident suffered from high blood pressure and was under medication. Suddenly her pressure increased, causing brain haemorrhage. “Neurosurgeons diagnosed Minakshi with irreversible brain stem death.Doctors declared her brain dead two days ago, and her relatives agreed to fulfil her last wish,“ said Kaushal Shah from Shatayu, an NGO working for organ donation.

GROWING NEED FOR ORGANS

Last week, the state health ministry had held a meeting where they discussed issues related to policies aiming at strengthening the network of hospitals and to raise awareness.

“To address the growing need of organs, we need more number of cadaver donation rather than live donation. In fact, in this policy, more liberty will be provided to private hospitals,“ said an officer from the department.