Delhi: Donor heart transported 98 km in 85 minutes via green corridor from Rohtak

Delhi: In a remarkable display of coordination and rapid response, a donor heart was transported through a green corridor from PGIMS Rohtak to Fortis Escorts, Okhla, covering 98 km in just 85 minutes to save the life of a critically ill patient.

The 26-year-old recipient had been suffering from advanced Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a severe condition that weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood. With limited treatment options, a heart transplant was considered essential for survival.

The donor, a 37-year-old man, was found unconscious on the roadside and taken to PGIMS Rohtak, where scans revealed an intracranial haemorrhage. Despite all medical efforts, he was declared brain dead. In a selfless act, his family consented to organ donation, enabling multiple life-saving procedures.

The organ retrieval began at 2:20 PM, after which the heart was transported with the help of a green corridor jointly facilitated by Delhi Police and Rohtak Police. The ambulance left Rohtak at 2:50 PM and reached Fortis Escorts, Okhla at 4:15 PM, ensuring the organ remained viable within the critical time window.

The transplant was successfully carried out by the cardiac team at the hospital. The patient is currently under close observation in the ICU and remains on ventilator support.

Other organs were also allocated as per protocol. The lungs were sent to Artemis Hospital in Gurugram, the liver and pancreas to AIIMS in New Delhi, while the kidneys and corneas were retained at PGIMS Rohtak.

Dr Z S Meherwal, Chairman, Adult CTVS at Fortis Escorts, said the case underscored the importance of precise coordination. “The seamless collaboration between medical teams and law enforcement authorities played a crucial role in preserving the viability of the donor heart,” he said.

Dr Vishal Rastogi, Director of Cardiology, added that heart transplantation remains the most definitive treatment for advanced Dilated Cardiomyopathy. “We are closely monitoring the patient’s recovery and are grateful to the donor’s family for their selfless decision,” he said.

Dr Vikram Aggarwal, Facility Director, said the transplant highlighted the power of teamwork and integrated systems in delivering timely, life-saving care, while acknowledging the role of police and medical teams in facilitating the green corridor.