In an extraordinary act of medical coordination and military precision, the Indian Air Force (IAF), in collaboration with Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAFB), has successfully enabled a complex multi-organ transplant operation that has saved the lives of five patients. Conducted on June 7, the operation marks a milestone in India’s integrated defence-healthcare capabilities.
The mission began when a serving soldier, injured in a road accident in Kasaragod, Kerala, was evacuated to CHAFB on February 17, 2025. After extensive efforts to stabilize him, the soldier was declared brain dead. His family’s courageous decision to donate his organs laid the foundation for a life-saving operation spanning multiple cities.
An IAF aircraft airlifted one kidney and a cornea to Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in Delhi. Simultaneously, the second kidney and cornea were transplanted at CHAFB. In a national first, a skin harvesting procedure was conducted at CHAFB in coordination with Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru. The soldier’s liver was transplanted at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, with logistical and clinical support from Jeevansarthakathe Karnataka.
Key to the operation’s success was the creation of a ‘green corridor’ by Bengaluru police, facilitating the swift and uninterrupted transfer of organs from the hospital to the airbase. This method, modeled on international best practices, dramatically reduced transport time and ensured organ viability.
The operation also reflects a growing trend in India. According to the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), cadaver donations have risen by 30% between 2020 and 2024. Medical experts note that military aircraft use can improve organ survival rates by 15–20%, as per a 2023 study published in Transplantation.
The mission has been hailed by both medical professionals and defence officials as a landmark moment in India’s organ transplantation ecosystem, showcasing the vital role of civil-military cooperation in public health.
