Today, India is facing the problem of organ shortage due to an absence of enough organ donors in our country. It is estimated that about 1.5 lakh people suffer from end-stage kidney disease each year, and out of which only 3,000 are lucky to receive donors. Similarly, about 2 million people die each year due to other organs failure.
According to medical science, it is believed that "an organ donor can give life to seven people". Organ donation is the most generous and humane act that people can do for their nation. In many Western countries, people commit to donating organs when applying for a driving license. This is an effective measure that can help increase the number of organ donors. However, in India people are not forced to become organ donors, but we must learn from other nations.
The need for organs transplant is growing worldwide. India is also combating with the problem of organ shortages due to the dearth of enough donors in our country. The absence of an adequate strategy, proper knowledge, attention and a positive attitude towards organ donation may be possible reasons for the large gap between the need and the availability of organs in India. In addition, lack of adequate information and awareness about the concept of brain death, the myths associated with surgery, etc., are also one of the reasons that deter a person from becoming an organ donor. The only way out to this problem is to raise consciousness and mindfulness among the people about the benefits of organ donation.
At present, only certain organs and tissues can be donated and transplanted. These include - the kidneys, heart, liver, lungs, pancreas, skin, cornea, heart valves, bones and tendons. Although most organs and tissues donation takes place after the death of the donor. But some organs and tissues can be donated as long as the donor is alive. Most living donations have come from family members or close friends. Some people become altruistic living donors by choosing to donate to someone they do not know.
Before allowing people as an organ donor, it is essential that they undergo several medical tests and medical procedures. If a person has certain diseases, such as active infection, cancer, active HIV, etc., they will be excluded from donation.
To be an organ donor, it is necessary to enlist by signing up and accepting the guidelines of Organ Donation. One needs to fill a recommended consent form, which can either be downloaded from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) site or got to from the hospital. In the case of a donation from the deceased donor, a written consent form from the legal caretaker of the body after the demise of the patient is required in a prescribed application form.
To pledge your organs, you can visit the website address of below mentioned NGOs.
- Organ India
- Shatayu3
- Mohan Foundation
- Gift your organ
Know more about organ donation visit https://www.organindia.org/overviews/know-organ-donation/
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