*Udaipur:* In an inspiring act of selflessness, the final wish of 76-year-old Mrs. Sanyukta Khanna, a resident of Pratapnagar, Udaipur, was honored by her son, Mr. Deepak Khanna, who fulfilled her desire for body donation after her passing. Mrs. Khanna, who suffered from diabetes and hypertension, was admitted to Geetanjali Medical College & Hospital due to pneumonia. Despite being placed on ventilator support, her critical condition and age led to her demise on 11th September 2024.
Mr. Deepak Khanna shared that his mother had always expressed her wish for body donation after her death. She believed that while people contribute to society during their lifetime, it is also important to continue serving humanity after death. By donating her body, she hoped future doctors could learn and conduct research, ultimately contributing to the betterment of society.
It is worth noting that the family had previously made another body donation when Mrs. Lalita Puri, a member of the same family, donated her body last year. The family holds a strong belief that at least one person from every household should donate their body, considering it a path to salvation.
Dr. Prakash K.G., Head of the Department of Anatomy at GMCH, shared details of the donation, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about body donation in society. He praised Mr. Khanna for respecting his mother’s final wish, which would greatly benefit medical research and education.
During the body donation process, GMCH Dean Dr. Sangeeta Gupta, Additional Principal Dr. Manjinder Kaur, along with other faculty members from the Department of Anatomy, including Dr. Monali Sonawane, Dr. Sania K., Dr. Saurabh, and Dr. Sambhav, were present. The family, students of BDS first year, and the branding and PR manager, Harleen Gambhir, were also in attendance. Dr. Gupta, on behalf of Geetanjali Hospital, paid tribute to the late Mrs. Khanna and expressed deep respect for her family's decision. A Certificate of Appreciation was also awarded to the family.
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### Why Is Body Donation Important?
Body donation after death is a unique and priceless gift to science. Donated bodies are used to teach and train future doctors and nurses, as well as to conduct scientific research. This practice contributes immensely to medical advancement and the training of surgeons.
### Who Can Donate Their Body?
Any Indian citizen over 18 years of age, who is legally capable of giving consent, can register as a full body donor with the Department of Anatomy at GMCH Udaipur. Even if a person is not pre-registered, their family or legal guardians can choose to donate the body after death.
### How to Donate a Body?
To learn more about body donation and the process, individuals can contact the Department of Anatomy at Geetanjali Medical College.