THE first successful organ donation by a newborn was made at Hammersmith Hospital, London, as reported in the British Medical Journal in January. It was done so when it became clear to the parents and clinicians that the child would not survive.

The donor was born at term after an emergency caesarean section. She weighed just over 3kg but was very sick. Both the kidneys were transplanted to one renal failure recipient. Her cells were also transfused to another needy.

A commendable deed indeed. This act of altruism saved the lives of two human beings. Donation of organs after death had been a norm worldwide. We are far behind in this great life-saving act and as such thousands die because of the non-availability of organs in our country.

Murli Dhar

Karachi

Published in Dawn March 3rd , 2015

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