Rishikesh: In a heartwarming yet tragic act of generosity, the parents of a six-day-old newborn who passed away from cardiac arrest at AIIMS Rishikesh have chosen to donate their child’s body for medical research.
With the assistance of Lions Club Rishikesh Devbhoomi and Mohan Foundation, the newborn’s body has been handed over to Graphic Era Medical College in Dehradun for research purposes.
Newborn experienced breathing difficulties after birth
A driver by profession, Manoj Lal and Vinita Devi of Uttarkashi Set an example through this brave act. This bereaved couple, hailing from Uttarkashi, have set a poignant example with their decision to donate the body of their newborn. Vinita Devi, wife of Manoj Lal, gave birth to a son on January 6. Shortly after birth, the newborn experienced breathing difficulties and was admitted to AIIMS Rishikesh on January 7. AIIMS doctors determined that the newborn’s breathing and food pipes were conjoined, necessitating surgery. Despite obtaining consent and performing the operation, the newborn succumbed to cardiac arrest on 11 January.
Decided to donate the body to medical college
In the midst of their sorrow, Manoj Lal reached out to Muktidham Samiti’s Sevadaar Anil Kakkar for guidance on the final rites. On which, Kakkar informed Manoj Lal about the traditional practices of handling a newborn’s body, which typically involve burial or immersion in the Ganga. When Manoj Lal inquired about alternative options, Anil Kakkar suggested donating the body to a medical college in Dehradun for the greater good. Despite their immense grief, Manoj Lal and his family decided to donate their newborn’s body to the medical college. Manoj Lal expressed his profound sadness over losing his son but emphasized their decision to contribute to the public good by donating the body.
Lions Club’s role in body donations
Lions Club President Gopal Narang and Mohan Foundation’s Uttarakhand Project Leader Sanchit Arora stated that the newborn’s body has been handed over to the Anatomy Department of Graphic Era Medical College. To date, four body donations have been facilitated by the Lions Club, with 11 individuals having pledged to donate their bodies after death.
Similar decision was taken by a Haridwar couple
Similarly, in the month of December, a couple in Haridwar had taken a decision to donate the body of their 2.5-day-old daughter to Doon hospital in Dehradun, making her the youngest body donor in India.
