A Devastating Sacrifice: Pune Couple Dies After Liver Transplant, Hospital's Donor Program Suspended Amid Inquiry

In a heart-wrenching turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the medical community and beyond, a Pune woman's ultimate act of love for her husband ended in unimaginable tragedy. Pratibha Gaikwad, 42, donated a portion of her liver to her ailing husband, Amit Gaikwad, 44, at Ruby Hall Clinic in a desperate bid to save his life.

Tragically, both husband and wife succumbed to complications following the complex procedure, leaving behind a devastated family and a trail of unsettling questions.

The surgery, which took place on May 30, was meant to be a beacon of hope. However, fate had a cruel hand to play. Amit Gaikwad passed away on June 10, followed just three days later by his wife, Pratibha, on June 13.

This double tragedy has compelled the State Health Department to take swift and decisive action, suspending Ruby Hall Clinic’s living donor programme and initiating a high-level inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Amol Gaikwad, Amit's distraught brother, voiced the family's anguish and allegations of negligence.

He recounted Pratibha's deteriorating condition post-surgery, including multiple transfers between the Intensive Care Unit and a general ward, and significant bleeding issues that ultimately proved fatal. This account paints a grim picture of post-operative care and raises serious concerns about the protocols followed at the hospital.

In response to the gravity of the situation, a formidable inquiry committee has been constituted, spearheaded by Dr.

Ajay Chandanwale, Director of Medical Education and Research. The committee includes distinguished members such as Dr. Sunil Bhamare, Joint Director of Health Services, Pune; Dr. Sushma Deshmukh, Professor of Forensic Medicine at BJ Medical College; and Dr. Rajeshwari, Medical Superintendent of Sassoon General Hospital.

Their mandate is comprehensive: to scrutinize every aspect of the case, from the pre-operative assessments and medical necessity to the surgical procedures and critical post-operative care provided to both the donor and recipient.

Dr. Purvez Grant, Managing Trustee of Ruby Hall Clinic, acknowledged the tragic deaths and confirmed an internal inquiry was underway, emphasizing the inherent complexities of liver transplant procedures.

However, the shadow of the hospital's past controversies, including a kidney transplant scam, casts a long pall over this latest incident, adding pressure for complete transparency and accountability.

This heartbreaking episode underscores the immense risks associated with organ donation and transplantation, even as it highlights the profound personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of life.

As the inquiry unfolds, the family, the public, and the medical fraternity await answers, hoping to understand how a gesture of ultimate love could lead to such a devastating double loss, and to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.