The Kasturba Hospital observed the “Organ Donation Day 2017” by felicitating the kin of organ donors here on Friday.
These were the donors who were declared brain dead as a result of severe injury or ill-health. Subsequently, their families decided to donate the organs to give the special gift of life to those in need. The family members of eye donors were also present.
H. Vinod Bhat, vice-chancellor of Manipal University, said that as per the Union government’s data, about two lakh people were wait-listed for kidneys in the country, while about 30,000 persons were currently awaiting a liver. The existing donation programmes meet only about 3 % to 5 % of the requirement for organs. A person could donate eight of his organs which could offer a better life for eight human beings, he said.
Human organs such as liver, kidneys, intestines, corneas, bone marrow, heart, lungs, even skin and limbs in certain cases, can be successfully transplanted into patients in need. Organ donation was the best form of donation, Dr. Bhat said.
Poornima Baliga, pro vice-chancellor of Manipal University, who, felicitated the family members of eye donors, said: “The families and relatives of the donors have started a social movement by deciding to donate their organs.”
Pragna Rao, Dean of Kasturba Medical College, released member cards for eye donors.
M. Dayananda, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, Padmaraj Hegde, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Girish Menon, Head, Department of Neurosurgery, Sulatha Bhandary Head, Department of Ophthalmology, were present.
Organ Donation Day is observed on August 13, every year.