CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury
Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday while undergoing treatment at AIIMS. He had been suffering from a prolonged illness and was 72 years old. His condition had worsened in recent days. In a significant decision, his family has chosen to donate his body to AIIMS for teaching and research purposes. In a statement, AIIMS confirmed that the family has donated his mortal remains to the hospital for medical education and research.
CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury
This raises the question: What happens when someone’s body is donated after death?
When a person passes away, some families choose to donate the deceased’s body to hospitals. After donation, the body is used by medical students for learning and research purposes. Initially, the body undergoes a scientific process using formalin to eliminate bacteria or germs, preserving it. This prevents the body from decaying and transforms it into a wood-like state. Medical students then study various parts of the body as part of their education.
CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury
Another question arises: Is the body ever returned to the family after being donated? Over time, as the body is repeatedly exposed to air during medical studies, it begins to deteriorate. At this point, the body must be disposed of. Hospitals either return the body to the family or, in some cases, conduct a cremation and hand over the ashes to the family.
CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury
Medical students and professionals use donated bodies to study human anatomy in detail. Surgeons and medical practitioners practice new techniques, refine existing procedures, and develop safer surgical methods on these bodies. Additionally, scientists and researchers use donated bodies to detect diseases, study the effects of medical conditions on different organs, and develop new treatments or drugs.
CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed his condolences on Sitaram Yechury’s passing, stating that he was a protector of India’s ideas and a person with deep understanding of the country.
