26-year-old becomes 2026’s 1st deceased organ donor in Nagpur

Nagpur: A 26-year-old man from Paoni in Bhandara district became Nagpur's first deceased organ donor of 2026, offering a new lease of life to three critically ill patients. With this donation, the total number of deceased organ donations facilitated by the Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre (ZTCC), Nagpur, since 2013 has risen to 186.The donor, Gaurav Ramesh Shende, was admitted to Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur, after his health suddenly deteriorated on January 16. He was initially taken to a rural hospital in Paoni, but was referred to GMCH due to the severity of his condition. Despite four days of intensive treatment under expert medical care, doctors diagnosed a massive brain haemorrhage. Following all mandatory medical evaluations, a team of specialists declared him brain dead.
Gaurav, a hair salon professional, is survived by mother Rekha Shende, brother Sachin, and maternal uncle Sandip Suryavanshi. His father had passed away when the brothers were young. After counselling by transplant coordinators at GMCH, the family took a courageous and compassionate decision to donate Gaurav's organs.With written consent from mother, brother, and uncle, the family agreed to donate his liver and both kidneys. The organs were allocated by the ZTCC committee strictly in accordance with national guidelines. The liver was transplanted into a 58-year-old male patient at a private hospital in Nagpur. One kidney was transplanted into a 28-year-old male at the city's Super Speciality Hospital, while the second kidney was transplanted into a 54-year-old female patient at another private hospital.The brain death was certified by a medical committee comprising Dr Avinash Gawande, Dr Atul Rajkondawar, Dr Archana Aher, and Dr Amit Bansod. In a mark of respect, GMCH staff formed an honour corridor to pay tribute to the donor, while ZTCC arranged free ambulance services to transport Gaurav's mortal remains to his native place in Paoni.ZTCC Nagpur president Dr Sanjay Kolte and secretary Dr Rahul Saxena praised the family's selfless act, describing it as a powerful and inspiring message for society.