World organ donation day
Organ donation is a powerful act of generosity that gives hope and a second chance at life to those facing end-stage liver or kidney disease or even organ failure who are struggling as other treatment options fail. By choosing to be an organ donor, an individual’s organs can help those suffering from severe health conditions. The types of organs available for donation are the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and intestines. Moreover, various tissues like corneas, heart valves, skin, and bone can be donated as well, providing significant advantages to many patients in need. Remember, a deceased organ donor can save up to eight lives, and a pair of kidneys can liberate two individuals from the need for dialysis. A single donated liver has the potential to be divided, benefiting two patients awaiting transplants. Two lungs from a donor can provide life saving assistance to two recipients. One pancreas donation can rescue one person’s life. Additionally, a donated heart can bring hope and joy to someone in need. Organ donation can be in the form of a Living donation, where the donor is still alive, and even cadaver donation, which occurs when the donor has passed away. However, millions of people lose their precious lives due to unavailability of organs. The demand for organ donation is high while only a few percentage of people donate organs. The waiting list for organs is too long and thus, many recipients struggle to get an organ and suffer in silence. Apart from the rising need for organs, there are also various myths attached to these subjects that should be debunked without any delay.
Myths regarding organ donation
Myth 1: Only young people can donate organs
Fact: This statement is false. Anyone can register for organ donation at any time and donate organs irrespective of his/her age. Don’t believe in any kind of rumors or social media posts. One’s health status will be checked after which he/she will be eligible for organ donation.
Myth 2: One’s family members are charged if they decide to donate organs
Fact: Remember, there is no cost to the donor’s family for organ, eye, and tissue donation. So, be assured, come forward, and take a pivotal step in donating organs and transforming the lives of people. Be an organ donor and encourage others to do so for improved survival rates of those battling liver, and kidney ailments. It is the need of the hour to avoid believing the myths and create awareness by educating people regarding how organ donation saves lives
Each organ transplant offers renewed hope to recipients and their families, fostering a positive outlook on life. One donor can save up to eight lives, highlighting the importance of encouraging organ donation in society. Organ donation can greatly improve the lives of those who are critically ill or bedridden. Many people die waiting for an organ, making donation a crucial way to offer a new chance at life. Living donation is a viable option for kidney and liver transplants. Eligible family members can donate a portion of their liver or a kidney to save a loved one’s life. Organ donation can help families cope with grief, providing comfort in knowing that their loved one’s gift will save lives and make a difference. Raising awareness through open discussions about living donations or personal organ donation experiences can promote the cause. Donate organs and save lives.
In India, of the total 18,378 organ transplants in the country in 2023 — the highest-ever in a year — 10% were to foreign nationals who had come to India for treatment, while more than six of 10 living organ donors were women, as per the data released by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO).
