PGI Chandigarh: 12-year-old’s heart travels 2,500 km from Chandigarh to Chennai for organ transplant

Chandigarh, May 18: In a poignant display of human generosity and medical achievement, the family of 12-year-old Sayogta from village Mundia, district Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, has turned their personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for others. Following her untimely death, Sayogta’s family decided to donate her organs, thereby saving and transforming the lives of six patients.

Sayogta’s heart travelled approximately 2,500 km from PGIMER Chandigarh to a matching recipient in Chennai, while her liver, kidneys, and corneas were transplanted into five patients in PGI Chandigarh, profoundly impacting six lives in total.

Prof Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER, expressed deep admiration for Sayogta’s family: “The courage and selflessness demonstrated by Sayogta’s family are beyond commendable. Their decision has not only saved lives, but has also set a profound example of humanity and compassion. This act of kindness highlights the importance of organ donation and its impact on countless lives.”

Sayogta, daughter of Hari Om, tragically succumbed to injuries from a road accident on May 12. Initially treated at ESIC Baddi, she was shifted to PGI Chandigarh the same day. Despite exhaustive medical efforts, Sayogta was declared brain dead on May 17, 2024. Overwhelmed with grief, her family chose to donate her organs, ensuring her legacy would endure through those she saved.

Hari Om, Sayogta’s father, shared his emotional journey: “Losing my daughter is an indescribable pain, but knowing that she lives on through others brings a measure of solace. In our darkest hour, we chose to give hope to others. It’s what Sayogta would have wanted.”

Prof Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent at PGIMER and Nodal Officer, ROTTO (North), said: “We were deeply moved by the family’s decision to donate Sayogta’s organs. Their generosity is a powerful reminder of the difference one family can make. Following the family’s consent, Sayogta’s organs—heart, liver, kidneys, and corneas—were retrieved and transplanted with precision and care.”

Since there was no matching recipient for Sayogta’s heart in Chandigarh, it was allocated to a terminally ill six-year-old girl at MGM Healthcare Hospital in Chennai through the intervention of NOTTO. The heart was transported to the International Airport in Mohali in 22 minutes via a ‘Green Corridor’ and flown to Chennai, where it was successfully transplanted.

The liver was transplanted into a 36-year-old male patient at PGIMER, giving him a second chance at life. Two patients suffering from renal failure—a 25-year-old man and a 42-year-old man—received Sayogta’s kidneys, restoring their hope for the future. Additionally, her corneas were transplanted into two patients, restoring their sight.