Pune: In a rare and commendable mission undertaken recently, the Indian Air Force utilized its C-17 Globemaster aircraft to transport a liver and kidney from Pune to Delhi, ensuring a life-saving transplant.
Typically used for disaster relief and emergency aid, the C-17 Globemaster was deployed to assist in a crucial medical operation, highlighting the versatility and humanitarian role of the military.
A 24-year-old woman receiving treatment at Pune’s military hospital was declared brain dead, and her family consented to donate her organs. One of her kidneys was transplanted to a patient within the Pune military hospital.
Meanwhile, the other kidney and liver were urgently needed at the R&R Military Hospital in Delhi. To facilitate the rapid transport of these vital organs, the Indian Air Force established a green corridor from Pune to Delhi, utilizing the C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
The organs were airlifted swiftly, reaching Delhi in record time, thanks to meticulous planning and coordination between medical and military teams.
According to Aarti Gokhale, Coordinator of the Regional Organ Transplant Committee, the organs were allocated at the military level, with priority given to patients within the military healthcare system. If no patients on the waiting list are available, other eligible patients from different hospitals are considered.
The Air Force’s aircraft took off from Hindon Air Force Base carrying a specialized medical team from Delhi’s R&R Military Hospital. The green air corridor ensured the organs were delivered on time, allowing surgeons to proceed with the transplants without delay.
The C-17 Globemaster aircraft has a proven track record of supporting humanitarian missions during emergencies. For instance, it was previously used during Typhoon Yagi, which caused significant flooding in Vietnam.
The Air Force mobilized the aircraft to deliver 35 tons of aid, including essential supplies such as water purification systems, containers, blankets, cooking equipment, and solar lanterns.
The aircraft’s latest mission underscores its critical role beyond military operations, extending to humanitarian and medical emergencies. The successful organ transport from Pune to Delhi not only saved lives but also showcased the capability and readiness of the Indian Air Force in aiding medical emergencies.