To commemorate National  Organ Donation Day, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children honored the families of four young children who chose to donate organs following the heartbreaking declaration of brain death as well as its dedicated staff members. The selfless act provided a vital gift of life to needy children. Present on the occasion were actor Taher Shabbir, Rumana Hamied Managing Trustee at Cipla Foundation & Trustee at Cipla Palliative Care & Training Centre and CEO, Wadia Hospitals – Dr. Minnie Bodhanwala.

Every year, nearly 500,000 Indians die waiting for an organ, and 2% of these are children. This means 10,000 children are on the waitlist for an organ transplant, with at least 2,500-3,000 of them under the age of five; and an equal number gets added each year. These children are suffering from a variety of genetic disorders, cancers, and metabolic conditions.

From the inception of the Solid Organ Transplant programme at Wadia Hospital, living-related 1 liver and 3 kidney transplant, whereas, 3 liver and 4 kidney cadaveric transplant were successfully done.  Wadia Hospital is going an extra mile to create awareness regarding organ donation. Over a mere one year, the generosity and courage of parents of four young children who, after the declaration of brain death of their loved little ones, gifted the precious gift of life through organ donation have paved the way for the successful transplantation of several children across the country. These selfless acts of kindness have illuminated the path for other families, inspiring hope and new beginnings for those in desperate need.

Dr. Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO, Wadia Hospitals said, “Wadia Hospital was the first pediatric Hospital in Western India to have started a tissue bank facility in 2021 to preserve amnion, and other tissues like skin, bone, cartilages, heart valves, and dura. Last year, Wadia Hospital unveiled Mumbai’s first  “The Wall Of Honor”  to promote organ donation and save lives. We are deeply moved by the brave decisions made by these young parents and their supporting families. Their courage in the face of unimaginable loss has given other children a second chance at life. In addition to the medical milestones, the hospital has established supportive networks for families navigating the complex journey of transplantation.

Parent support groups have been created to provide a haven for emotional sharing, encouragement, and practical guidance, fostering a sense of community and resilience among transplant recipients and candidates. These support groups are an integral part of the healing process. The Hospital reaffirms its commitment to advancing pediatric healthcare and extending the reach of hope and healing to every corner of India.”

Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children is on the brink of establishing a pediatric heart transplant program. This promises to transform the lives of countless children suffering from end-stage heart failure, offering them the gift of life and the possibility of a healthier future.