Mumbai’s first heart transplant patient is back on his feet

One year after he underwent a heart transplant surgery, Anwar Khan — Mumbai’s first heart transplant patient — will resume college in a day or two to complete his studies. At the same time, Mr Khan also wants to earn and support his family.

The 22-year-old Badlapur resident received a heart from a 42-year-old woman from Pune, who was brain-dead. The heart, along with a team of surgeons to transplant the organ, was flown to Mumbai through a green corridor.

Mr Khan said, “I feel like I am the luckiest person in the world. I want to thank the woman who gave me a new lease of life. She is always in my prayers. I have received a second chance at life. Now, I want to pursue my further studies, which I had left incomplete due to my condition. But since the doctor’s have now declared me fit, I can complete my education and earn and support my family financially.”

He added: “I have now taken admission in first-year B.Com in Bharat College and applied to RKP in Ulhas Nagar. I also want to work part-time repairing computers and mobiles.”

Mr Anwar has also been jogging regularly and going to the gym, as well as practising yoga.

Dr Anvay Mulay, the chief cardiovascular surgeon at Fortis hospital, said: “It’s a moment of pride and I am happy, what else should I say. All the other 18 transplant patients are also doing well.”