Command hospital air force bangalore executes multi-city organ retrieval operation

CH NEWS

Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAFB) successfully conducted a multi-city organ retrieval operation on February 19, 2025, furthering its commitment to organ donation and life-saving medical interventions. The donor, a serving soldier, sustained severe head trauma in a road accident while on leave in Kasaragod, Kerala. After being stabilized locally, he was airlifted to CHAFB on February 17, where he was later declared brain dead. In a remarkable act of generosity, his wife and brother consented to donate his organs, offering hope to multiple patients awaiting transplants. Following coordination with the Karnataka State Organ Transplant Authority, an organ retrieval team from Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, flew in aboard an Indian Air Force (IAF) Airbus 321 to collect the corneas, liver, and one kidney. The other kidney was transplanted locally at CHAFB. Additionally, a team from Chennai, traveling via commercial flight, retrieved the heart and lungs for MGM and Gleneagles Hospitals, respectively. To facilitate seamless transport, Bengaluru police collaborated with CHAFB to establish a ‘green corridor,’ ensuring the organs’ swift, uninterrupted transfer from the operation theatre to the airport terminal, preserving their viability. While CHAFB has previously conducted several organ retrieval procedures, this marks the first instance of a multi-city transportation effort, highlighting the strengthening collaboration between military and civilian medical institutions in addressing critical healthcare challenges.