In death, Manisha saves 11 lives and brings hope to thousands

 The story of Manisha Jagan Mongan inspired a surge in organ pledges, says Sungai Buloh hospital’s Dr Natasha Noh.

Manisha Jagan Mongan’s two kidneys and liver were transplanted in 2023 into three recipients from a long waiting list, while her corneas and bones were stored for future recipients.

PETALING JAYA:

 Manisha Jagan Mongan directly saved 11 lives with her donated organs after she died in 2023, but her story also gave hope to thousands of other Malaysians, according to Sungai Buloh Hospital’s tissue and organ donation unit.

Unit head Dr Natasha Noh said FMT’s report on the procurement of Manisha’s pledged organs and tissues after her sudden death at the age of 35 led to a surge in organ pledges among Malaysians.

Manisha’s two kidneys and liver were transplanted into three recipients from a long waiting list, while her corneas and bones were procured and stored for future recipients.

Natasha said her unit was pleasantly surprised by the surge; pledges had previously been slow as most Malaysians were not keen and unaware of the impact their organs could have.

“The viral story of how Manisha’s organs helped others immediately after her tragic death saw a sudden rush in cadaveric donor registrations,” Natasha told FMT. “Not only did Manisha help 11 recipients directly, her story moved thousands of others to pledge their organs.”

Manisha’s father P Jagan Mongan and mother A Indrani receiving a certificate of appreciation from Selangor health director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin (left) and state executive councillor Jamaliah Jamaluddin. (Dr Natasha Noh pic)

She encouraged Malaysians to follow Manisha’s example, as well as that of her parents who consented to the procurement of her organs and tissues. “Very often, family members bar procurement even though their relatives had pledged their organs,” she said.

Natasha said those wishing to pledge their organs could do so via the MySejahtera app.

Dr Natasha Noh.

Manisha’s father P Jagan Mongan, who received a certificate of appreciation from the Selangor health department on May 7, said he was happy that his late daughter had touched so many lives even after her death.

“It was very painful to lose her at such a young age, but knowing her organs have helped so many people eases our pain greatly. We had no second thoughts about allowing doctors to procure the organs immediately, as we knew it was what she wanted.

“She was known for helping many people in need when she was alive. So we fulfilled her last wish,” he told FMT.

Jagan Mongan said the fact that the recipients were Malaysians of all backgrounds made him even happier, as it proved that all human beings are one regardless of their religious beliefs. - FMT