Kindness finds its way through the dark and ugly alleys of hatred. The newspapers reported the story of 6 YO Roli Prajapati in May 2022. She was shot in the head by unidentified miscreants in Noida. Roli was hospitalized but soon succumbed to her injuries. She went into a coma before being declared brain dead by the medical team at AIIMS. What followed next was no less than a miracle – the doctors at AIIMS counselled the grieving parents and finally, they gave their consent to donate the organs of their daughter which, in turn, would save five lives. The organs for the donation were her liver, kidneys, both corneas, and heart valve. Even in her death, little Roli saved 5 lives!
World Organ Donation Day is celebrated on August 13th every year to raise awareness regarding the importance of organ donation in saving lives. People who register to donate their organs after death change the lives of thousands who require organ transplants. The lack of awareness and hesitation stops many from donating their organs in the event of their death. This day is dedicated to motivating people to donate their organs after death and raising awareness regarding the process.
Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Telangana, Maharashtra, Kerala, Chandigarh, Karnataka, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and Rajasthan are states and Union Territories having an active deceased-donor organ transplant programme in India.
If you or someone you know is on the fence about the idea, then here are some compelling reasons to consider becoming an organ donor:
- Organ donation is a noble opportunity to help others. These people stand at change by getting a life-changing gift that could meaningfully extend their life. The grieving family of the departed individual can take solace knowing they helped someone even in death.
- One organ donor has the potential to help up to eight individuals survive by donating organs such as the heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, pancreas, eye, tissue, and even bones.
- India needs more organ donors. According to the World Health Organisation, only about 0.01 percent of Indians donate their organs after death. Even a small increase in that number can make a difference to thousands of people.
- Anyone can become an organ donor. People above the age of 18 can register to donate their organs after death. To procure the organs of deceased minors, the consent of parents is necessary.
- Very few medical conditions disqualify people from becoming donors. However, some organs might not be suitable for a transplant because it doesn’t exclude other organs from being harvested.
- Most religions endorse the donation of organs, and many see it as a final act of love and faith to donate organs.
- The donor will have nothing to lose by donating an organ after death. If anything, their families can take comfort knowing that part of their loved one is still alive.
However, it’s not just awareness that can create a shift in the organ donation scene in India. It is important for people to use their positive attitude about organ donation to demonstrate a behavioural change by signing a donor card. And that can be achieved with targeted health education, legal interventions, and with concerted efforts from the medical community, the government, and the social sector we are sure to see a change.
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