Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Aug 3 (NVI) In a first, a train became an instrument of saving a life as a donated heart was transported from Surat to Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
The life-saving organ was transported by Vande Bharat Express, ensuring its safe and timely arrival for transplantation at the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre, Ahmedabad, according to railway officials.
Given the highly time-sensitive nature of organ transplantation, the operation required meticulous planning and seamless coordination among Indian Railways, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Gujarat State Police and medical teams, they said.
Every stage of the transportation was carefully synchronised to ensure that the donor heart reached the recipient hospital within the prescribed viability window, the officials said.
A dedicated Green Corridor was created from Platform No. 1 of Ahmedabad Railway Station to the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre by the Railway Protection Force and Gujarat State Police, enabling uninterrupted movement of the donor heart and ensuring that the transplant procedure could commence without delay, they said.
Speaking on the occasion, Ved Prakash, Divisional Railway Manager, Ahmedabad, said, “This is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction for Indian Railways… The excellent coordination among Indian Railways, RPF, Gujarat State Police and the medical teams ensured the success of this mission. Contributing towards saving a human life is not only our responsibility but also our highest duty towards service and humanity.”
The successful mission demonstrates how modern railway infrastructure can play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s emergency healthcare ecosystem. (NVI)
