65-Year-Old Dayakar Kotian Becomes Eldest Organ Donor in Dakshina Kannada

A significant milestone in organ donation occurred on March 1, 2024, when Dayakar Kotian, a 65-year-old man, became Dakshina Kannada’s eldest organ donor at the Father Muller Medical College Hospital in Mangaluru. Following his tragic brain death due to a severe road traffic accident on February 22, Kotian’s family made the compassionate decision to donate his organs, providing new life to multiple recipients.

On March 3, a ceremony was held at the director’s secretariat to honor Kotian’s family. The event was led by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director of the Father Muller Charitable Institutions. Kotian, originally from Bajpe and residing in Kolar, sustained critical injuries in the accident and was admitted to Father Muller Medical College Hospital for advanced neurosurgical care.

Despite extensive medical efforts under the guidance of Dr C K Ballal, a senior consultant neurosurgeon, Kotian was declared brain dead following thorough clinical examinations and apnea tests. The declaration was confirmed by the hospital’s Brain Death Committee, adhering to established medical and legal protocols.

The organ donation process began after Kotian’s family received counseling from the transplant coordination team. With remarkable generosity, his wife Surekha and brother Keshav Poojary consented to the donation. The State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (SOTTO – Jeevasarthakathe) was notified to facilitate the allocation of organs as per state guidelines.

Organ retrieval started at 14:00 on March 1, after all necessary medico-legal formalities were completed. The left kidney was allocated to Kasturba Hospital in Manipal, the right kidney went to N U Hospital in Shivamogga, while skin and corneas were harvested at Father Muller Medical College Hospital. A post-mortem examination was also conducted by the department of forensic medicine as required by law.

At 18:00, the family received Kotian’s mortal remains, marking a moment of both sorrow and pride. During the gratitude ceremony, Fr Lobo honored Surekha and her family for their noble decision, emphasizing the hope their actions brought to the lives of the organ recipients.

Keshav Poojary expressed his gratitude, stating that his brother’s legacy will live on through those who received his organs. He commended his sister-in-law’s courage in making such a selfless choice during a time of great personal loss. He also acknowledged the compassion displayed by the staff at Father Muller Hospital, describing them as a “cradle of care” for the family.

Present at the ceremony were Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator of Father Muller Medical College, and Dr Uday Kumar, medical superintendent of Father Muller Medical College Hospital. The hospital administration reiterated its commitment to enhancing public awareness about organ donation, urging individuals to consider pledging their organs to help save lives.

This remarkable act of generosity not only highlights the importance of organ donation but also serves as a poignant reminder of the impact such decisions can have on the lives of others.