A R Aneesh’s Historic Organ Donation Saves 8 Lives in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Kottayam Medical College is set to achieve a historic milestone in organ transplantation. For the first time in India, a government hospital is preparing to perform a single-day transplant of three major organs, the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Alongside this, Kottayam Medical College will also become the first government hospital in the country to transplant lungs.

This marks the 11th heart transplant at the institution, made possible through the generous donation of organs from A R Aneesh, Assistant Prison Officer at Poojappura Central Jail, who tragically suffered a brain death. Despite the grief of losing their loved one, Aneesh’s family chose to donate his organs, and Minister Veena George expressed deep gratitude and respect for their extraordinary act of humanity.

Aneesh donated nine organs in total, including his heart, lungs, two kidneys, pancreas, liver, hands, and both corneas. Of these, one kidney, his heart, lungs, and two corneas were transplanted at Kottayam Medical College; another kidney, pancreas, and hand went to Amrita Hospital in Kochi, and the liver to Caritas Hospital in Kottayam. The coordination and surgical procedures were led by the team under K-SOTTO.

Aneesh suffered a severe injury after falling and hitting his head at Pampa on October 17, following his visit to Sabarimala. He was initially admitted to a hospital in Pathanamthitta before being transferred to Kottayam Medical College, where he was under treatment until brain death was confirmed on October 22. His mother Ambika Kumari, along with his sisters A R Lakshmi and A R Anju, consented to organ donation.

Through this selfless act, eight people received new life. Aneesh’s passing and the family’s decision to donate his organs reflect the highest form of humanity, turning profound personal grief into hope for others. Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan expressed sorrow at Aneesh’s untimely demise and lauded the family’s courage, extending condolences to all who mourn his loss.

A R Aneesh, the Deputy Prison Officer from Poojappura Central Jail, now lives on through the lives of eight people whose futures he transformed, leaving a legacy of compassion, generosity, and life beyond death.