Indian Organ Donation Day: Be a Hero and Save Lives

Have you ever dreamt of being a hero, perhaps even a superhero? Well, becoming a superhero doesn't require any rocket science; it can be as simple as performing an act of kindness, like an organ donation. Organ donation is a powerful way to save and transform lives, which is why we commemorate Indian Organ Donation Day, a day of immense significance. This day is celebrated annually on August 3, marking the historic achievement of India's first successful deceased heart transplant that occurred on August 3, 1994.

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Purpose Behind Indian Organ Donation Day

The purpose of this day is to instill a sense of compassion and benevolence among people, restoring their unwavering faith in the boundless capacity for humanity's goodwill. Additionally, the fervor for organ donation extends beyond just a day; The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has designated July as "Organ Donation Month" in India, honoring the establishment of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA) on July 8, 1994.

As we reflect on the state of organ donation in India, it becomes apparent that the nation has made significant strides. According to the Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation (GODT), India now holds the distinguished position of being the world's third-largest country in organ donation, trailing only behind the USA and China.

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Remarkable Increase in the Number of Organ Donors, yet not Enough

Over the years, the country has witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of organ transplants performed, surging from 4,990 in 2013 to an awe-inspiring 15,561 in 2022. The organ donation rate has quadrupled, demonstrating the remarkable altruism of the Indian populace. However, it remains an earnest endeavor to enhance these numbers further, as the current estimate depicts only 0.65 organ donations per million population in the country.

The need for organ transplants is dire, with thousands of people awaiting a lifeline for their survival. Annually, 1.5 to two lakh individuals urgently require a kidney transplant, but merely four percent of them are fortunate enough to receive one. A similar predicament plagues those seeking liver transplants, with 80,000 patients requiring the procedure each year, but only 1,800 managing to secure it.

Furthermore, a staggering one lakh patients are in desperate need of corneal or eye transplants, yet less than half of them find a suitable donor. Even for heart transplants, a mere 200 out of 10,000 in need are fortunate enough to find a matching donor (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Optimal use of donor corneal tissue: one cornea for two recipients

Go to source).

Despite these pressing needs, the number of registered organ donors in India stands at a disheartening three percent. This decline is further exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, not only in India but globally, posing additional challenges to organ donation. The lack of awareness and understanding about the organ transplant process among the general populace contributes significantly to this concerning trend.

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Required Request: A Law that was Implemented but not Regulated

As per the laws governing organ donation, doctors are supposed to request the potential donor’s family for the organs. But due to multiple factors, a lot of doctors fail to do so, leading to a lot of missed potential donors.

Coming up with better monitoring and training of doctors in identifying potential donors has become a need of the hour. It requires immediate attention to not miss out on potential donors as not everyone can be a donor.

Nevertheless, hope persists, as numerous NGOs and public organizations tirelessly strive to raise awareness and educate people about the critical importance of organ donation. The collective effort of the nation is crucial in transforming the lives of countless individuals, giving them the precious gift of a second chance at life, and giving the donors a chance to celebrate life even in their afterlife.

How to be an Organ Donor?

Get a Donor Card

: The Organ Donor Card serves as an official record to indicate your desire to donate your organs after passing away, akin to creating a will.

Once you have signed the 'Donor Card,' you have committed to donating your organs upon your demise.

Click Here To Download an Organ Donor Card from MOHAN Foundation

• Ensure to carry the Donor Card with you at all times
• It is also essential to inform your close relatives about your intention to be an organ donor
• Additionally, the Donor Card doubles as an emergency card, containing your emergency contact's name and number

As we embrace Indian Organ Donation Day and Organ Donation Month, let us stand united, inspired by the selfless acts of donors and their families, fostering a brighter future built upon compassion, generosity, and unwavering belief in humanity's boundless potential.

"Let the celebration of life continue even in your afterlife. Sign up to be an Organ Donor Today."

Reference:

1. Optimal use of donor corneal tissue: one cornea for two recipients - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21808194/)

Source-Medindia