Durga Kami, Nepali Woman with Malayali Heart, to be Laid to Rest in Kalamassery
Kochi: The mortal remains of Durga Kami, a Nepali native who passed away following a heart transplant surgery, will be laid to rest in Ernakulam. The 22-year-old Durga Kami died on Thursday during follow-up treatment after the surgery, which was performed on the 22nd of last month. Her body will be transported to the Kalamassery Community Hall at 9:30 AM today. The funeral rites are scheduled for 12:00 PM at the Kalamassery Church Cemetery.
Durga had received the heart of Shibu, a native of Kollam, who suffered brain death in a bike accident. There was significant hope for her recovery as her life support systems were recently removed, and she had begun physiotherapy, showing signs of returning to a normal state. However, she tragically collapsed yesterday evening during a physiotherapy session.
The team at Ernakulam General Hospital had exerted every possible effort to save Durga’s life and facilitate her recovery. The Health Minister expressed condolences to Durga’s brother and other loved ones, acknowledging their profound loss. Durga’s heart transplant surgery marked a significant milestone as it was the first ever such procedure conducted in a government general hospital in India.
Durga had been undergoing treatment at Ernakulam General Hospital for a year, suffering from a rare genetic disease. She arrived in Kerala through the assistance of a Malayali doctor. However, she faced a significant hurdle due to a central law that prioritizes Indian citizens for organ transplants. As her condition deteriorated, Durga was compelled to seek intervention from the High Court. Tragically, Durga’s mother and elder sister had previously succumbed to the same genetic disease.