Pune Zone’s First Pediatric Organ Donation: 3-Year-Old Arush Gives Life To Four People
Pune Zone’s First Pediatric Organ Donation: 3-Year-Old Arush Gives Life To Four People
Renuka Suryavanshi
Pune, 13 June 2026: In a rare and deeply moving milestone for Pune’s healthcare sector, a three-year-old child has become the youngest organ donor in the Pune Zone, offering a new lease of life to four individuals. Pediatric organ donations are exceptionally uncommon due to the stringent medical criteria and the immense emotional challenge faced by grieving families.
The selfless decision taken by the parents of little Arush Shinde has not only created a historic moment in Pune’s medical landscape but has also highlighted the life-saving impact of organ donation, even in the face of unimaginable personal loss.
Arush Shinde, 3 year old from Tadiwala Road, was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic on 2nd June in critical condition after an accidental fall from the 2nd floor balcony. Under the care of Primary Consultant Dr. Sanjay Vhora, the Pediatric ICU team made all possible efforts to save him. Unfortunately, Arush was declared brain dead on 12th June by Dr. Devidas Bhalerao, Competent Authority for brain death certification.
Following sensitive grief counselling, the family consented to donate his organs. Transplant Coordinator Lochana Jadhav played a pivotal role in guiding the family through this difficult decision.
Through ZTCC Pune, Arush’s kidneys and liver were allocated to two pediatric recipients at Ruby Hall Clinic and Manipal Hospital, Baner. Both corneas were also donated and will restore sight to two corneal blind patients. All transplant surgeries were successful.
Medical Director Lt. Col. Dr. Vivek Lal and CEO Dr. Mudit Saxena congratulated the entire PICU team, transplant team, and nursing staff for their clinical excellence and compassion.
“This is a historic moment for Pune Zone. A 3-year-old donor is extremely rare. The courage of Arush’s parents has given life to two children and sight to two others,” said Dr Lal.
Dr Devidas Bhalerao told Pune Pulse that it was a very brave attempt by the child’s parents to donate his organs. This step has given life to four more people.
