Being a medical person and a public health enthusiast, I would like to express my passion towards World Organ Donation Day and the need for making people aware of this opportunity to save lives.
Although it may sound more of an irony, this date is now a symbol of light and hope for thousands waiting for the precious organ transplants all over the world.
When expressed in terms of a fraction, the difficulty that we are set is brought out very clearly by the following statistics. Currently, over 112 000 patients are awaiting a transplant as of the year 2020 and there is a new name added to the list every 10 minutes in the United States. Sadly, organ failures cost about 20 lives every day as people await organ donation. Although there is an increase in the donation rate from 0.05 to 0.8 per million population in the recent past India ranks lower than Croatia (36. 5), Spain (35. 3) and the USA (26).
This is made particularly frustrating because one gets the feeling that there is so much more that could be done. Unfortunately, as per the information available, India tops the chart of these deaths as it recorded approximately 150,000 deaths from road accident in recent years.
These victims are potential donors of organs and in the whole of 2021, only 552 donations from individuals who were certified to have died through brain death in the country were recorded.
The key factors that may contribute to low donation rate in many countries in the world are as follows: Religious and cultural perceptions, lack of accurate knowledge, and concerns over organ trade. This is why awareness campaigns are absolutely crucial in the fight against the diseases and other related conditions.
I am glad that the Indian government has come up with a mass awareness campaign on organ donation, “Angdaan Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan”. This campaign will raise awareness about brain stem death, promote deceased donation, tackle unethical use of bodies, and address misunderstandings.
A number of strategies have been employed in the campaign and implementing a multiple-sided approach is commendable.
This includes online registration till the NOTTO webpage, specific campaigns such as donation runs and art competitions, and village and panchayat level campaigns. The involvement of students, youth organizations, as well as local leaders will help initiate discussions within all areas of society and initiate change.
It warms my heart as a doctor to emphasize the importance of organ donation in the lives of the recipients. A single donor can provide up to eight people with a second chance at living with organs that have failed them and their families. Another positive step is the creation of NOTTO or National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization for coordinating donation and distribution.
However, our work does not stop at augmenting donation rates, it is way beyond that. It is also noteworthy to point at the need for developing effective preventive measures in order to lessen the demand for transplants. However, hospitals must be adequately prepared and encouraged to screen and report possible cases of brain stem death.
Besides, it is important to speak to your family because they will play a major role in the act of donation.
To the medical colleagues, I kindly urged them to fight this battle within their institutions. Hold awareness events, coordinate donation procedures, and, very importantly, provide the conversations with the grieving families.
Opportunity to help people live even after you are dead is the greatest gift that one can give. While celebrating the brave hearts who have given away their organs, we must as a nation make the people of India understand the importance and need of giving away their organs. Perhaps the life you will be saving through organ donation or the decision you are making will help a child, a parent, or even your neighbour.
With that, we shall be able to meet the gap between the need and the availability to bring renewed hope and life to thousands of our fellow citizens.
Today, on August 13th, I kindly appeal to all my fellow citizens to think about registering as an organ donor. . For more information, one can go through the NOTTO web portal or call to their helpline number at 1800-11-4770.
Website: https://notto.mohfw.gov.in
Email: dir@notto.nic.in
NOTTO Office Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/suDi4PFX3Y4AeMx6A