Shimla
A 78-year-old man from Subathu in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district has alleged that his wish to donate his body for medical education was rejected by Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, after he was reportedly told that transporting his body from his hometown after his death would not be feasible.
Surender Singh said he travelled to Shimla with a firm resolve to complete the formalities for body donation. According to him, he had taken the decision with the consent of his wife so that, after his death, his body could contribute to the training of future doctors and medical research instead of undergoing conventional last rites.
Singh alleged that he spent two days visiting different departments at the medical college in an attempt to complete the registration process. However, he claimed officials informed him that the institute would not be able to accept his body because arranging transportation from his area would not be possible, forcing him to return home disappointed.
The incident has raised questions over awareness, accessibility and implementation of body donation programmes in Himachal Pradesh, particularly for people living outside Shimla who wish to make such a contribution.
Responding to the allegations, Dr. Anju Pratap, Head of the Anatomy Department at IGMC Shimla, said the matter had not been brought to her notice earlier. She said if any official had declined the request, the issue would be investigated and an explanation would be sought from the concerned staff.
Dr. Pratap maintained that IGMC has accepted several body donations in the past and that there is no policy of refusing willing donors. She added that the institution encourages body donation for medical education and research and assured that the circumstances surrounding the case would be examined.
Body donation plays a crucial role in teaching human anatomy, surgical training and medical research, providing students and researchers with invaluable practical learning opportunities.
