DBNTC transplants kidney from second brain-dead donor

Bhaktapur, November 10

Shahid Dharma Bhakta National Transplant Centre, Bhaktapur, has successfully conducted second kidney transplantation from a brain-dead donor.

Tek Bahadur Yonjan,72, a resident of Sasapur-5, Sarlahi, was declared brain dead following brain haemorrhage at Ganeshman Singh Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, Lalitpur. Yonjan’s family members agreed to donate both kidneys to two patients, one aged 30 years from Syangja and another 56-year-old patient from Kaski.

The first transplantation of such kind was conducted by the centre on May 11, 2017. “I think I took a good decision by donating father’s organs. Though he is not among his kidneys gave new life to two people in need. The organs that would have burnt to ashes have given two people new lives. Everyone should say yes to organ donation,” said Makar Yonjan (Nirmal), son Yonjan’s son.

“As soon as we got the news about brain dead patient, we prepared teams and acted as early as possible so that we could harvest the donor’s organs in the healthiest state possible. We are happy that our tireless efforts bore fruit, thanks to the generous family and hospital staff,” said Consultant Nephrologist Dr Kalpana Shrestha.

Amendment to Human Organ Transplant Act 1998 has paved the way for organ transplantation from brain dead persons. It is estimated that nearly 1,000 brain deaths occur annually in road accidents in Kathmandu. Eight solid organs can be harvested from one such patient .

Shahid Dharma Bhakta National Transplant Centre has already conducted 516 kidney transplants till date. “This is the result of a great team spirit. We are looking forward to conducting more of such surgeries in the days to come. We are making plans and strategies to raise awareness and motivate people to donate their organs. The role of hospitals and doctors is also of paramount importance,” said Chief Transplant Surgeon at the hospital Dr Pukar Chandra Shrestha.