Surat, May 8 – Known globally for its textile and diamond industries, Surat is now making remarkable strides in the field of humanitarian service through organ donation. In a deeply moving gesture, the family of Namrata Bhavin Panchal, a primary school teacher from Vapi, chose to donate her organs after she was declared brain dead, giving new life to five individuals in critical need.
Namrata Panchal, 44, a resident of Krishna Krupa Residency on Charwada Road in Vapi, was rushed to Hariya Hospital on April 25 after experiencing intense headache and vomiting. Though she was initially treated and discharged, her condition worsened again. A neurologist later confirmed that a blood vessel in her brain had ruptured. She was shifted to Maitriya Multi Super Specialty Hospital in Surat, where she underwent brain surgery on April 26. Despite all efforts, she was declared brain dead on May 8.
Following consultations with the NGO Donate Life, Namrata’s husband Bhavinbhai Panchal and her family agreed to proceed with organ donation. Bhavinbhai, an assistant manager at a pharmaceutical company in Vapi, said they were inspired by posters in the hospital promoting organ donation and saw it as a sacred act. “If someone can live through my wife’s organs, there's no greater virtue than that,” he shared.
Under the guidance of Donate Life founder Nilesh Mandlewala, Namrata’s liver, kidneys, and corneas were successfully harvested. Initially, the liver and one kidney were to be sent to Apollo Hospital in Ahmedabad, but due to technical issues, the liver was later redirected to Zydus Hospital. Based on HLA reports, both kidneys were transplanted into two needy patients, while her corneas were accepted by Dr. Praful Shiroya of Lok Drashti Eye Bank.
One of the organ recipients was a 53-year-old man from Odisha, who received a lifesaving liver transplant. To ensure timely delivery of the organs, Surat Police arranged a Green Corridor to Ahmedabad—marking the 134th such corridor between Surat and Ahmedabad.
Namrata Panchal’s selfless act not only saved lives but also exemplified the enduring legacy of a teacher whose role in society continues even after death. Her story stands as a beacon of compassion and responsibility, inspiring society to embrace the life-changing potential of organ donation.
