From Bengaluru to Delhi: IAF airlifts kidney, cornea; enables multi-city transplants

The donor, declared brain-dead on Friday, became the source of hope for five patients awaiting transplants. (Image: X//@IAF_MCC)

In a remarkable display of coordination and medical expertise, five lives were saved after a brain-dead patient’s organs were transported to different cities across India, including a life-saving airlift by the Indian Air Force (IAF) from Bengaluru to Delhi.

Taking to microblogging site X, the IAF shared details and images of the operation, underlining the critical role of Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAFB) in facilitating multi-organ retrieval and transplantation efforts.

"The IAF enabled life-saving multi-organ retrieval and critical transplants at different locations, undertaken through Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAFB) today," it wrote on X late Saturday night.

"In this swiftly coordinated effort, the donor patient who was declared brain dead yesterday, became the source of new life for five individuals," it further stated.

The IAF enabled life-saving multi-organ retrieval and critical transplants at different locations, undertaken through Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAFB) today.In this swiftly coordinated effort, the donor patient who was declared brain dead yesterday, became the pic.twitter.com/zyckwIkAkO

Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 7, 2025

"One kidney and a cornea were airlifted by an IAF aircraft to Army Hospital (R&R) Delhi. The other kidney and cornea transplantation, and the first skin harvesting, was achieved at CHAFB along with a team from Victoria Hospital Bengaluru. The liver was also transplanted successfully at Gleneagles BGS Hospital," mentioned the IAF in its X post.

The donor, declared brain-dead on Friday, became the source of hope for five patients awaiting transplants.

One kidney and a cornea were urgently flown by an IAF aircraft to the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in Delhi.

Meanwhile, the other kidney, cornea, and the first-ever skin harvest at CHAFB were transplanted in Bengaluru with assistance from Victoria Hospital’s medical team. The liver was successfully transplanted at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru.

The operation was carried out in partnership with Jeevansarthakathe Karnataka. The IAF hailed it as a seamless mission that reflected the dedication and precision of its medical community.

"This seamless operation was executed with Jeevansarthakathe Karnataka, reflecting the exceptional commitment and medical expertise of the Armed Forces medical community", it wrote.