Andalib Akhter / AMN / New Delhi
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan today felicitated the families of organ donors at a function organised at AIIMS in New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vardhan said, these organ donors have served humanity and it will inspire the people and the whole country to come forward for this noble cause. He said it will further strengthen the awareness campaign of the government towards organ donation.
Calling the felicitation event as one which touched hearts, the Union Health Minister stated “I don’t remember having attended any function which has touched my heart so much”.He applauded the grit and courage of the families and called the donors great souls who continue to live with us. “Through their selfless acts, these people have done what many Governments can’t do alone”, he further stated.
These people who have donated organs of their family members are ones who have contributed in a seminal manner to the society. They have fulfilled their social responsibility, and inspired millions of us to opt for organ donation, Dr. Harsh Vardhan added. The Union Health Minister further said “One donor can save life of 7-8 patients and can enhance the quality of life of 40-50 patients”. He suggested that we need to motivate individuals, families and organizations to pledge to donate organs after death, and to spread awareness about the importance of organ donation.
“There is a lack of awareness, myths and fear in peoples’ mind about organ and tissue donation.”, he stated. As Dr. Harsh Vardhan appreciated the activities of ORBO, he said-“One cornea donor can give sight to up to four people using advanced technology. The skin tissue is used to help burn victims. Bones donated are used for bones damaged by tumours, traumas and infections. This would save limbs from being amputated”.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan also narrated the story of the young organ donor Surabhi who gave her organs to many recipients in 2014. To honour her deed, ORBO put up a plaque in her memory, he noted.
Speaking on the occasion Minister of State for Sports and Youth, Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, said that while many people think about organ donation, few have been able to do it. “It’s an act through which a person lives on even after his/her death” he said while expressing his deep respects for the families of the donors. He underlined the importance of creating wide awareness about the issue, so that it becomes a regular practice in India.
Ms. Mary Kom, MP, Rajya Sabha and Indian Olympic Boxer stated that “I salute the brave-hearts and their families who have donated their organs to give life to others. They have made our world and our lives better through their priceless sacrifice”. She encouraged people to come forward for organ donation. She added that it had inspired her to do something in the field. “I feel that I can live on with organ donation”, she stated.
Dr Harsh Vardhan along with Kiren Rijiju and Ms Mary Kom felicitated families of 38 multi-organ donors, 5 whole-body donors who donated whole bodies for medical education, and 8 tissue donors who donated multiple tissues after cardiac death. Organ/transplant recipients were also present during the ceremony and expressed their deep gratitude to the families of the organ donors.
On the occasion noted playback singer Mohit Chouhan also pledged to donate his organs.
“Honored and touched. Thank you for making me a part of this. Happy to report my wife pledged to donate all her organs at the AIIMS centre way back in 2001. I do the same, today, Mohit Chuhan said emotionally
ORBO is the nodal facility at AIIMS facilitating the entire process of cadaver organ and tissue transplantation, from procurement till transplantation in the recipient. ORBO has also been proactive in creating awareness and undertaking training in the field of organ and tissue donation and transplantation. In addition to organ donation from brain dead donors, ORBO also coordinates tissue donation from cardiac arrest donors.
Also present at the event were Transplant Team Members, Brain Death Certification Committee Members, Faculties, Resident Doctors of AIIMS, Transplant Coordinators, Nursing Officers and AIIMS staff.