Giving life in death, Malaysia

Accident victim inspires family to pledge organ donation
AIZAT SHARIF | Malay Mail

SUNGAI BULOH: 

Even in death, S. Pathmavathi (pic), 43, has given the opportunity of life to others by donating her organs.

Pathmavathi, a housewife, was hit by a motorcycle while walking back to her house in Taman Bidara, Selayang after grocery shopping on Monday.

She died yesterday morning at Sungai Buloh Hospital.

Pathmavathi’s husband, Ratnam Vello, 50, said before her demise, she told family members that she wanted her organs to be donated.

“She was not the only one who pledged to donate her organs. In fact, the whole family vowed to do the same,” said Ratnam at the hospital last night.

Ratnam, a lawyer in Kuala Lumpur, was married to Pathmavathi eight years ago and has two children.

Doctors suggested to Ratnam and other family members to donate Pathmavathi’s organs to the hospital.

Doctors say the donated organs could help up to eight people,” said Ratnam.

“It was a tough decision to make and after talking to other family members, we agreed to the donation.”

Among the organs donated were the eyes, heart, kidney, lungs and body splint.

Pathmavathi’s eldest brother, S. Segaran, 51, told The Malay Mail that his sister was the fifth among the six siblings.

“This noble deed was started by my father, Seenivasagam, when he was killed in a traffic accident in 1987. Prior to the accident, he made a pledge that his organs be donated after his death,” said Segaran.

“I think the government should have an organ donation campaign. The effort could save many lives,” said Segaran.

Pathmavathi is expected to be cremated at Cheras crematorium at 3pm today.