In a dramatic race against time, a live donor heart was transported 17 kilometres from Ghaziabad to New Delhi in just 19 minutes. The breathtaking feat saved the life of a 49-year-old man battling end-stage heart disease.
From Ghaziabad to New Delhi in 19 mins
According to reports the heart was retrieved from Yashoda Hospital, Ghaziabad. It was delivered in just 19 minutes to Fortis Escorts Hospital on Okhla Road via a specially created green corridor. The life-saving journey took place between 11:40 AM and 11:59 AM covering a distance of 17 kilometres. It all became possible with impeccable coordination between medical teams and traffic police from both Delhi and Ghaziabad.
The 49-year-old heart recipient was suffering from Ischemic Cardiomyopathy. It is a condition that severely weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood. The patient had been on the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) waiting list since August 2024. However with time his condition had deteriorated to a critical point. This made the transplant not just urgent but essential for survival.
The donor
Reports suggest that the donor was a 35-year-old woman. She was declared brain dead following a cerebral vessel rupture. In a deeply compassionate and selfless gesture, her family agreed to donate her organs. The family’s decision gave a second chance at life to several patients in need.
The hospitals and law enforcement immediately acted after a match was verified and the heart was allocated in accordance with NOTTO procedures. The green corridor was carried out with military accuracy. This allowed the ambulance to bypass traffic and maintain optimal conditions for organ preservation during transit.
Doctor’s statement
Dr. Vikram Aggarwal, Facility Director at Fortis Escorts, praised the collaborative effort. He said, “We are immensely grateful to the Delhi and Ghaziabad Traffic Police for their exceptional coordination in enabling the green corridor,” he said. “Their swift support was crucial to the timely transport of the heart. Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to the donor’s family for their noble act of organ donation.”
He added, “This case is a powerful reflection of Fortis Escorts’ cardiac expertise and our continued commitment to saving lives through advanced, compassionate care.”
Why organ donation is essential?
The recent incident serves as a potential reminder of the benefits of organ donation. This also adds a success story in the Indian medical history. It also emphasises how India’s medical logistics network is becoming more effective and prepared to precisely manage critical situations.
Furthermore, India is becoming more and more capable of performing life-saving organ transplants. All thanks to its strong infrastructure and rising awareness about organ donation and blood donation campaigns.
