Dr.Abdul Razak Shaikh
World Organ Donation Day is globally important and is held annually on August 13. This dedicated day serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness about the critical need for organ donation and to inspire individuals to consider becoming organ donors. Several key aspects contribute to the significance of World Organ Donation Day. One of the primary objectives of this day is to spread awareness on a global scale. Many people may not fully comprehend the impact and potential life-saving outcomes of organ donation. World Organ Donation Day aims to educate communities about the pressing need for organ donors and dispel myths or misconceptions surrounding the donation process.
Organ Donation is the gift of an organ to a person who needs a transplant to improve his condition and health status. It is a procedure in which a health organ is taken from an individual who is either living or deceased and is transplanted into a person whose respective orphan is malfunctioning. Donated organs give the recipient the opportunity for a longer and better quality of life. It is a legal procedure. It is governed by a transplant regulatory body and special acts laid down by authorities. All institutions conducting transplants have to be registered under the government and follow rules and regulations.
Every year, about 5 lakh people die awaiting organ transplants due to non-availability of organs. There is a wide gap between the number of transplants awaited and the organs available. The depressing statistics convey the urgent need for more people to step and donate their organs, save the lives of people languishing due to organ failure.
One organ donor can save more than 8 lives in his life by donating his well-functioning organs. Organ shortages are a prevalent and critical issue in healthcare worldwide. By dedicating a day to organ donation awareness, efforts are concentrated on addressing this shortage. [CONTINUE] Encouraging more individuals to register as organ donors can contribute significantly to increasing the availability of organs for transplantation.
World Organ Donation Day catalyzes initiating conversations about organ donation within families, communities, and among healthcare professionals. Open and informed discussions are essential in fostering a positive attitude toward organ donation and breaking down cultural or social barriers that may exist.
This day provides an opportunity to honor and celebrate the selflessness of organ donors and their families. Recognizing their generosity and the positive impact they have had on the lives of recipients helps create a culture of gratitude and appreciation.
Beyond awareness, the day encourages concrete action. People are urged to register as organ donors, express their intentions to family members, and take steps toward making a real difference in someone else’s life. This call to action is crucial in translating awareness into tangible contributions to the organ donation cause.
Organs must be removed as soon as possible after the determination of brain death, while circulation is being maintained artificially. Tissues may be removed within 12 to 24 hours.
Vital Organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and pancreas can be donated only in case of ‘brain death’. However other tissues like corneas, heart valves, skin, bones, etc. can be donated only in case of natural death
It is important to discuss your decision with family or next of kin. This is because, in case of an emergency or an untoward incident, your family will be the first to be contacted. Only after seeking their permission can the doctors go ahead with retrieving your organs. If your family is aware of your decision, your wishes will be carried out the way you would have liked.
In scenarios where the families are not aware and need to be counseled on the wishes of their deceased relative, a lot of precious time is lost and sometimes the opportunity to donate is gone. In Organ donation, time is of prime importance.
You can pledge by simply filling up an organ donation card, Carrying it around with you, and mentioning personal details and family members who are aware of your decision as consent to go ahead with the procedure. You will also need to specify the organ you which to donate to save a life.
World Organ Donation Day also acknowledges the individuals who have received organ transplants, showcasing the positive outcomes and the renewed lease on life made possible through the generosity of donors. This aspect serves as an inspiration and testimony to the impact of organ donation.
In essence, World Organ Donation Day is a global initiative dedicated to saving lives, fostering understanding, and creating a world where the gift of life through organ donation is universally embraced. By shining a spotlight on this vital cause, the day contributes to building a more compassionate and informed society.