Organ Donation Awareness is needed

Organ donation is a life-saving act that transforms the lives of countless individuals. In India, the need for increased awareness about deceased organ donation is critical. Despite advancements in medical technology and growing number of patients requiring transplants, there is a significant gap between demand for organs and their availability.

In India cultural and religious beliefs, coupled with lack of awareness and misinformation, contribute to the hesitancy in donating organs after death. Many families are unaware of the process and benefits of organ donation, leading to low consent rate for organ retrieval from deceased donors.

The potential impact of deceased organ donation is immense. A single donor can save up to eight lives by donating the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestines. Tissues such as corneas, skin and bones can enhance the quality of life for many more recipients. Educating the public about these possibilities is crucial in bridging the gap between organ supply and demand.

Public campaigns, incorporating the voices of transplant recipients and donor families can create a powerful narrative that resonates with the masses. Healthcare professionals should receive training to sensitively handle conversations about organ donation with grieving families. Additionally, integrating organ donation education into school curricula can foster a culture of giving from a young age.

Government initiatives play a vital role in this mission. The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has been instrumental in promoting organ donation through policy frameworks and public awareness campaigns. Strengthening these efforts with collaborations between government, non-profits and the medical community can amplify the message. By addressing misconceptions, educating the public and fostering a culture of altruism, we can save countless lives and create a more compassionate and health-conscious nation.

Organ donation awareness is badly needed and PDG Bagh Singh Pannu from our district has volunteered to campaign at Srinagar, Leh and Ladakh recently. Deceased organ donation awareness programme is our flagship project in RID 3090. We will continue our efforts in this field.

The writer is a PDG and a nephrologist and is promoting organ donation for seven years.