Brain-dead 16-month-old boy saves multiple lives through organ donation

A 16-month-old boy became a legend by donating organs in his passing and saving multiple lives. The minor boy, identified as Rishant, was declared brain dead after he suffered a serious head injury as he fell while playing in Delhi earlier this month. 

Rishant's father Upinder, a private contractor by profession, was on his way to work when he learned about the tragedy and rushed back. He took the baby to a private hospital near his residence in Delhi's Jamuna Park. Rishant was later admitted to Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Center (JPNATC), AIIMS on August 17, the day of the incident. He was declared brain dead a week later.

After the family was counselled by doctors and transplant coordinators of ORBO, AIIMS, they realised that Rishant's organs can breathe life into others and decided to donate organs. Rishant's organs helped in saving lives of 2 persons.

Rishant was the only son after 5 elder sisters and his organs were donated after due process in AIIMS.

"I was busy leaving for work in the morning of the fateful day and couldn't even hold my baby in my arms. But I felt that if his organs can save other lives, then I must donate them," the grieving father said.

"We donate food, clothes, and money to the needy. Today our child is no longer with us, only his memories and body remain. If his organs can help a needy person, then there is nothing better that," said Rishant's Uncle.

Rishant' organs were allocated by National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO). Both Kidneys have were transplanted in a 5-year-old male child at AIIMS, New Delhi and the liver was transplanted in a 6 months old female at Max Hospital. His heart valves and corneas have been banked at AIIMS New Delhi.