Awareness for Organ Donation
Organ donation is the most generous act one can do in order to save the lives of others!
The “need of organs for transplantation” is increasing everywhere around the world. India is also facing the problem of organs shortage due to the unavailability of enough donors in our country. It is estimated that every year around 1.5 lakh people suffer from the end-stage kidney failure, out of which only 3000 people are fortunate enough to get the donors. Likewise, every year around 2 lakh people died because of liver & other organs failure. In India more people have to come forward to take a “pledge for organ donation”, then only the gap will bridge between the supply and demand of organs. But people are not yet aware and educated enough about the importance of organ donation. However, today in this era of the Internet we are blessed with social media and many other online portals, they slowly started making an impact on the society by spreading awareness and social campaigns regarding organ donation among people.
In India “The Transplantation of Human Organs Act”, was passed in 1994 to stop the illegal trade of organs. As per this act and its amendment (2011), donation of organs only allows for therapeutic purpose. And at present only certain organs and tissues can be donated and transplanted. These include — Kidneys, Heart, Liver, Lungs, Pancreas, Skin, Cornea, Heart Valves, Bones and Tendons. There are a lot of myths and doubts in the mind of people about organ donation due to this many people opt out themselves from donating organs. The only solution to this problem is achieved by spreading “awareness and proper education” among people about the positives of organ donation.
According to medical science, it is evaluated that ‘One organ donor can save up to eight lives’. Organ donation is the most impeccable and humanitarian act people can do for their nation. In many western nations, it is mandatory for the people to pledge for organ donation while applying for a driving license. It is an effective measure that can help in increasing the number of organ donors. However, in India people are not bound to pledge for organ donation but we need to learn good things from others.
In our country, if a person is declared as brain dead by doctors who were a registered donor (also having donor card), in this case, “family consent is essential for approving of donation of organs”.
Before considering people as an organ donor it is mandatory for them to undergo “several tests and medical procedures”. If a person is suffering from a certain illness, for instance, active infection, cancer, active HIV, etc. he/she would be ruled out from the donation.
If you’re interested to become a donor, please register your wish on https://www.organindia.org/become-a-volunteer/.
