The first deceased organ donation at Jhalawar Medical College (JMC), achieved against numerous challenges, stands as a remarkable achievement. Jhalawar, a lesser-known district in Rajasthan, witnessed an extraordinary endeavour by a committed team who dared to achieve what many larger hospitals in metropolitan areas struggle with: successfully orchestrating a multi-organ donation. What makes it extra special is that JMC is not a transplant centre. Spearheaded by the determined Dr Ram Sevak Yogi and wholeheartedly supported by everyone in the hospital, this achievement is truly commendable.

Bhuriya, aged 39, was admitted to JMC following a fall from a tree on February 20, 2024. Despite the dedicated efforts, it became evident that Bhuriya had progressed towards brain death. Dr Yogi, who had recently joined JMC in June 2023 had earlier completed his residency at SMS Medical College, Jaipur under the guidance of Dr V D Sinha, (Head, Dept. of Neurosurgery) and had gained invaluable experience during his tenure. This included actively participating in numerous brain death declarations and subsequent organ donations.

Dr Yogi counselled Bhuriya's family and after addressing various concerns, successfully inspired them to consider organ donation. However, the real challenge arose thereafter. JMC was not registered as an NTORC, and he encountered resistance when attempting to declare Bhuriya brain dead and proceed with organ retrieval. Despite an earlier application for NTORC registration and subsequent responses to queries, the institute had not received any further communication.

Dr Yogi tirelessly made numerous calls to various individuals, including Dr Rashmi Gupta (Deputy Director, Directorate Medical Education) and Ms Bhavna Jagwani ( Convenor, MFJCF), in an effort to resolve the situation. Eventually, his efforts caught the attention of Smt. Shubhra Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Medical Health & Family Welfare Department. Subsequently, Dr Yogi received a call from Dr Manish Sharma (Consultant Institutional Education Communication (IEC) / media), who assured him that the registration would be expedited, with a promise of completion by next day morning.

In the meantime, the medical team faced the challenge of optimizing the potential donor, encountering difficulties along the way. As his sodium levels continued to rise, Dr Yogi sought advice from Dr Deepak Gupta (HOD Neurosurgery, AIIMS Delhi), who recommended administering vasopressors. However, vasopressors were not readily available in Jhalawar.

Undeterred, Dr Yogi reached out to his contacts in Kota and arranged for a medical store to be opened in the middle of the night, ensuring that the necessary medication could be procured and administered promptly. Despite all the hurdles, brain death was declared and a team from SMS Medical College, Jaipur retrieved both the kidneys, a liver and two corneas transforming 5 lives from this heroic act by the donor family and team of JMC.