The newborn’s couple, Rajendra and Vineeta Rahurika, named their daughter ‘Abhilasha’ which means heart’s desire. She ended up India’s youngest organ donor, fulfilling the need for an organ in four others after her death, at 16 and a half months.
Abhilasha was born without a bile duct, a condition called biliary artesia. She also suffered a damaged liver. When taken to hospital for liver transplant, she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus as well. This neurological condition—abnormal fluid accumulation in brain—had to be resolved through a surgery before liver transplant.
However, Abhilasha was declared ‘brain dead’ after the surgery at the Apollo Group of Hospitals, New Delhi, in February. Though torn by their loss, the Rahurika couple decided to donate the child’s eyes and kidneys to four patients. The organs were subsequently transplanted.
“We decided to donate Abhilasha’s organs because we felt and understood the need and importance of an organ which Abhilasha could never receive,” Vineeta, the mother, told Indian media on March 30 . “Today I feel proud that my daughter’s contribution has given a new life to others. Through this service we have kept our daughter’s soul alive forever,” she said.
Apollo Group chairman Prathap. C. Reddy appreciated what he considered the noble step taken by the couple. “Today we pay tribute to Abhilasha and honour her parents for taking such a courageous and noble step, which will surely give new hope to many patients.” he said.
