In a poignant display of selflessness, a 61-year-old veteran of the Army Medical Corps (AMC) has become a beacon of hope after a fatal road accident in Lucknow.
Following his tragic passing on January 8, 2026, his family consented to donating his organs, saving lives, reported the times of India.
Despite challenging weather conditions and dense fog, a coordinated multi-city medical operation ensured his kidneys, liver, and corneas were successfully retrieved, transplanted and preserved, embodying the military spirit of “Service Before Self.”
Army Veteran Saves Lives
The veteran, who spent decades serving the nation within the Army Medical Corps, met with a severe road accident in Lucknow on January 3, 2026. He sustained critical head injuries and was immediately rushed to the Command Hospital for intensive care.
Despite the tireless efforts of the medical team over several days, the injuries proved insurmountable. On January 4, he was declared brain dead.
In their moment of profound grief, the veteran’s family chose to honour his legacy of medical service by consenting to organ donation, a decision that would soon trigger a massive logistical operation.
Precision Logistics
Executing a multi-organ retrieval requires surgical precision and perfect timing, both of which were threatened by the thick seasonal fog engulfing North India. A specialised team from the Army Hospital Research and Referral (R&R) in Delhi was tasked with the retrieval.
Braving near-zero visibility, the team departed Delhi late on January 7, reaching Lucknow by 11:00 PM. The operation commenced in the early hours of January 8, overseen by Major General Alok Bhalla, Commandant of Command Hospital Lucknow.
The team successfully harvested the liver, two kidneys, and a pair of corneas to be distributed across military and civil hospitals.
Impactful Contributions
The veteran’s organs were swiftly allocated through the Armed Forces Organ Retrieval and Transplantation Authority (AORTA). One kidney was transplanted into a patient at Command Hospital Lucknow, who began showing signs of recovery immediately.
The liver was transported via a coordinated effort to Delhi for a life-saving transplant at Army Hospital R&R. While the second kidney was ultimately deemed unfit for transplant after further assessment at SGPGIMS, the corneas were preserved.
The medical team included renowned specialists such as urologist Col Bharat and GI surgeon Col Priya Ranjan, supported by a dedicated nursing and anaesthesia staff.
Notably, this is the second selfless deed at the Command hospital in the last three months, according to TOI.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that the true measure of a hero lies in the legacy they leave behind. This veteran served the country in life and continued to protect its citizens even in death.
His family’s courageous decision highlights the urgent need for increased awareness regarding organ donation in India, where thousands perish waiting for a donor.
By turning their personal tragedy into a “miracle of life” for others, they have set a powerful example of empathy and social responsibility. We salute the veteran’s spirit and the medical teams who worked against the clock to ensure his final gift reached those in need.
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