Thiruvananthapuram: In a noble gesture, the family of 25-year-old Amal Babu, who was declared brain-dead following a road accident, donated four of his organs, giving a new lease of life to patients in need. His heart was successfully transported from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam via a government helicopter to be transplanted into a 33-year-old patient from Ponnani, Malappuram, at Lissie Hospital.
Amal Babu, a native of Malayankeezhu near Thiruvananthapuram, met with a tragic accident on the night of October 12 while returning from work. His motorcycle collided with a car near Kundamonkadavu, and he was rushed to a private hospital with severe injuries. He was declared brain-dead on October 15, after which his family made the courageous decision to donate his organs.
The organ retrieval and allocation process was swiftly coordinated by the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (K-SOTTO). Besides the heart, Amal’s liver and one kidney were transplanted into patients at KIMS Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, while the second kidney was given to a patient at the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram.
Following a directive from Health Minister Veena George, K-SOTTO expedited the process. To ensure the heart reached Ernakulam in the shortest possible time, a helicopter from the Home Department was arranged on the instructions of the Chief Minister. The police also coordinated road transport arrangements to facilitate the green corridor.
Minister Veena George expressed her profound gratitude to Amal’s family for their selfless act amidst their immense grief and paid tribute to Amal. She also thanked K-SOTTO, the police force, district administrations, doctors, and ambulance staff for their seamless coordination.
Amal is survived by his father A. Babu (a retired Sub-Inspector of Police), mother Shimla Babu, and sister Arya.
