Thiruvananthapuram: In a groundbreaking first for Kerala, a human organ was transported on a commercial airline as part of a life-saving transplantation procedure. On Thursday, a kidney was flown from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, enabling a 27-year-old woman from Parasala to receive a transplant, Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO) officials said.

The kidney belonged to Ayona Monson, a young girl who tragically died after falling from a school building in Payyavoor, Kannur district. The organ retrieval and transportation process, typically a race against time, was coordinated by K-SOTTO to ensure it reached the recipient promptly.

A First for Kerala

K-SOTTO executive director, Dr. Noble Gracious SS, explained the challenges of organ transport in the state. “The major challenge was transporting the kidney to Thiruvananthapuram in a time-bound manner. There were technical issues in using a helicopter for the purpose,” he said. With time being critical, K-SOTTO approached IndiGo Airlines, which provided seats on a commercial flight for the organ.

Dr. Namitha, who recently joined Kannur Medical College as an organ transplant coordinator, volunteered to accompany the organ during the journey. “This is the first time an organ has been transported on a commercial flight in the state,” she noted, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the operation.

Traditionally, organs in Kerala have been transported via Navy aircraft, government-hired helicopters, or road vehicles. The decision to use a commercial flight represents an innovative step to overcome logistical challenges in urgent cases.

The Retrieval and Transport Process

The organ retrieval procedure took place at Aster MIMS Hospital in Kannur. Dr. Namitha described the meticulous process: “The procedure began around 2 am and was completed by 5 am. By 6 am, we reached the airport. All arrangements were smoothly handled by the hospital authorities and the airline.”

The flight, operated by IndiGo, included a stopover in Kochi, but arrangements were made to ensure the organ continued on the same aircraft to Thiruvananthapuram without delay. Despite the large size of the container carrying the kidney, the flight crew made provisions to keep it safely in the cabin. The flight reached Thiruvananthapuram around 10:45 am, after which the organ was transported by ambulance to the Medical College for transplantation.

Transplantation Across the State

K-SOTTO confirmed that Ayona Monson’s other kidney was transplanted at MIMS Hospital in Kozhikode. Additionally, her liver was transported to Meitra Hospital, Kozhikode, while her corneas were sent to Kozhikode Government Medical College. The coordinated effort ensured multiple lives benefited from her organs, demonstrating the state’s growing capabilities in organ transplantation and logistics.

Tragic Circumstances Behind the Donation

Ayona Monson suffered critical injuries after falling from the third floor of her school building, damaging her head and lungs. She succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday night. Police in Kannur are investigating the circumstances surrounding her fall.

A Milestone in Organ Transport and Public Health

Dr. Noble Gracious emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration in organ transplantation. “Transporting organs quickly and safely is critical to saving lives. This successful commercial flight transport sets a precedent and demonstrates that with careful planning and coordination, life-saving organs can reach recipients in time,” he said.

Dr. Namitha highlighted the teamwork required for such an operation. “Every stage, from retrieval to transport to transplantation, required precise coordination between the hospital, K-SOTTO, airline staff, and ambulance services. The success of this operation is a testament to what can be achieved when all stakeholders work together,” she said.

Looking Ahead

K-SOTTO officials said the use of commercial flights could open new possibilities for rapid inter-city organ transport, particularly when time-sensitive organs like kidneys, livers, or hearts are involved. While government aircraft and road transport remain critical options, commercial aviation provides an additional lifeline in urgent situations.

The successful transplantation not only saved the life of the recipient but also underscored the importance of organ donation and the state’s commitment to strengthening transplant infrastructure. Kerala has been steadily improving its organ transplant network, and this milestone reflects a growing capacity for innovation in emergency medical logistics.

This landmark operation demonstrates how the state is leveraging partnerships between medical institutions and commercial aviation to enhance healthcare delivery. The incident is likely to serve as a model for other states, showing how organs can be transported safely and efficiently when traditional methods face logistical challenges.

By combining technical precision, coordination, and innovation, Kerala’s organ transplant system has set a new benchmark. The state government and K-SOTTO have expressed their commitment to further strengthening such initiatives, ensuring that more patients benefit from timely organ transplants in the future.