Surat, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A 37-year-old Surat resident has received a new lease of life after undergoing a free heart transplant at Ahmedabad’s U.N. Mehta Heart Hospital, following intervention by Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya and the hospital’s transplant team.
Kishan Pethani, originally from Amreli, had been battling a serious heart condition for nearly two years. Despite treatment in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Surat, including the placement of two stents at a private hospital in Surat, his condition continued to deteriorate.
Doctors eventually advised him to undergo a heart transplant. However, Kishan said his financial circumstances made the procedure difficult to afford. He subsequently approached Minister Pansheriya, explaining his medical condition and financial situation. The minister recommended his case to U.N. Mehta Hospital.
“My heart was damaged over time, and there was no option other than a heart transplant. When I brought my illness and weak financial condition to the attention of Minister Praful Pansheriya, he recommended me to U.N. Mehta Hospital. Through his efforts, my heart transplant was successfully performed on June 27, and today I am completely healthy,” Kishan said.
The transplant was performed under the supervision of Dr Vishal Sharma by Dr Chirag Doshi and Dr Pratik Manek. Kishan described the treatment as giving him a “new life”.
He also recalled an emotional moment during his recovery. His birthday fell on July 3, just days after the transplant, and doctors and nursing staff joined him in cutting a cake at the hospital. He said the occasion became a cherished lifelong memory.
After recovering, Kishan personally met Pansheriya to express his gratitude.
Speaking about organ donation, Pansheriya said organs from a single brain-dead donor could potentially save seven to eight lives, while donated tissues such as skin, corneas, bones and heart valves could benefit another 50 to 75 people.
He highlighted the contribution of government hospitals, doctors and NGOs in promoting organ donation and transplantation, while praising families who consent to organ donation despite the loss of a loved one.
Pansheriya urged citizens to come forward, particularly in brain-death cases, so that donated organs and tissues can provide hope to more patients awaiting transplants.
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