Dipnidevi Mandal, 75, donates kidney to daughter Gitadevi at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, giving her a second chance at life | File Photo
Navi Mumbai: A 75-year-old has given her 36-year-old daughter a second chance at life—by donating one of her kidneys. The life-saving transplant was successfully performed at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi in the month of March.
The daughter, Gitadevi Saw had been battling Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), caused by Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH), which eventually progressed to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Her condition deteriorated rapidly last year, and dialysis became a part of her daily routine.
“She was constantly tired, unable to eat properly, and began vomiting after every meal,” said her husband, Ratanlal Saw. “When doctors confirmed she needed a kidney transplant, it felt like our world had turned upside down. We never expected her 75-year-old mother would step up—and turn out to be the perfect match.”
Despite her age, mother Dipnidevi Manu Mandal was in remarkably good health, owing to her active lifestyle and regular routine. Upon evaluating her suitability for organ donation, doctors at Fortis Hiranandani found her to be a viable donor.
“Age should not be a barrier to organ donation,” said Dr. Atul Ingale, Director – Nephrology and Consultant Transplant Physician at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital. “Mandal’s health was excellent, and she met all the criteria to donate. Her case shows that what truly matters is the health and compatibility of the donor—not just the number of candles on their last birthday cake.”
Post-transplant, Gitadevi’s recovery has been smooth. Her serum creatinine levels, a key indicator of kidney function, have returned to normal. She was discharged just six days after the surgery, and her mother, the donor, was discharged even earlier—just four days after the operation.
“The transplant has brought our family back together,” said Gitadevi, now back home with her husband and children. “My eldest child has just started college, and my youngest is still in school. Thanks to my mother’s incredible gift, I can be there for them again. I have a second chance—and I owe it all to her.”
Dr. Ingale noted that while the typical donor age cap is around 60-65, exceptions like Mandal’s can be made if the donor is in excellent health and thoroughly evaluated. “Her act of love and courage is inspiring. It shows what’s possible with proper care, expertise, and above all, love.”
For the family, Mandal’s selfless decision isn’t just a medical miracle—it’s a reminder of the extraordinary power of a mother’s love, even at 75.
