Patna: In a decision taken during a difficult moment of grief, Bettiah resident Jitendra Mahato consented to donate the corneas of his father, Kodai Mahato, 60, after his death. The donation was carried out through the PMCH Eye Bank and could help restore vision to two people in need.
After his father’s death, Jitendra contacted the PMCH Eye Bank team. Eye Bank staff members Rishikesh and Gonu Jha counselled the family about the eye donation process and its importance.
Following the counselling, Jitendra agreed to the donation. A team led by Dr Shubham and Dr Pooja subsequently completed the cornea retrieval procedure at the PMCH Emergency Operation Theatre.
Jitendra Supports Family Through Daily-Wage Work
Jitendra works as a daily-wage labourer to support his family. Despite his difficult financial circumstances, he decided to donate his father’s corneas after understanding how the donation could help people living with corneal blindness.
Jitendra said he felt that if his father’s eyes could help someone see the world again, the decision would give meaning to the donation even amid the family’s grief.
PMCH Superintendent Urges People to Overcome Myths
While honouring Jitendra, PMCH Superintendent Dr Rajiv Kumar Singh highlighted the need to address misconceptions and superstitions surrounding eye and organ donation.
He said greater public awareness was needed to encourage people to consider eye donation after death.
According to Dr Singh, eye donation is not only a social contribution but also an act that can potentially bring vision to someone in need after a donor’s death.
304 Cornea Transplants Performed, 423 Patients Waiting
Data from the PMCH Eye Bank shows that 304 patients have undergone corneal transplantation so far.
At present, 423 registered patients are waiting for corneal transplants, highlighting the continuing need for eye donations.
The PMCH Eye Bank has been conducting awareness activities to encourage people to donate their eyes. Hospital officials said that once information about a death is received on time, cornea retrieval can be carried out according to the prescribed procedure.
PMCH Eye Bank Contact Numbers for Eye Donation
People seeking information about eye donation or wishing to report a death for possible cornea donation can contact the PMCH Eye Bank at:
9783420549 | 880411393 | 9318874785
Jitendra’s decision has turned a moment of personal loss into an opportunity to offer hope to people waiting for corneal transplants. His father’s corneas could help two recipients regain vision, subject to medical suitability and transplantation procedures.
