Noida/ New Delhi: Appeals for cadaver organ donation which used to fall on deaf ears in India seem to working on its population. There is discernible spurt of sentiments in favor of gifting organs of their dying near and dear ones. The swelling numbers of registered organ donors, point to this change of heart. The good news on the eve of World Organ Donation Day (August13) might raise the hopes of thousands of people on the waiting list. That India is witnessing a remarkable 27% growth in transplants also a positive sign.
In a program organised for honoring the brave live donors, transplant experts of Jaypee Hospital expressed hope that Indian audience will soon mature towards organ donation transcending misconceptions surrounding it. They said that India’s growing number of 4.5 lakh registered organ donors reflected a positive shift in awareness and willingness to contribute to this life-saving cause. Perhaps thinking that organ donation offers a chance for individuals to live on through giving the gift of life to others is sinking in the minds of people of India. India has witnessed a remarkable 27% growth in transplant numbers (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation-NOTTO Scientific Dialogue 2023 by the Union Ministry of Health), reflecting the growing awareness about organ donation and its life-saving potential. While cadaver donation in West is well established, India is lagging far behind in persuading people to be amenable to gift organs of their brain dead relatives. As of now, preponderance of live donors is a matter of concern in India.
On this occasion in Jaypee hsopital, Dr Manoj Luthra, CEO & Director, Jaypee Hospital said, “Increasing organ donation rates remains vital to meet the demand and enhance patients’ quality of life. Jaypee Hospital has taken proactive steps in advocating organ donation through public talks, creating awareness and fostering a culture of compassion. With successful 350 liver transplants and 890 kidney transplants, Jaypee Hospital continues to make a significant impact in saving lives.”
Explaining about liver transplant, Dr. K R Vasudevan, Director, Department of Liver Transplant Jaypee Hospital said, “Liver transplantation, whether from living or deceased donors, offers hope to end-stage liver disease patients, providing a second chance at life. Rigorous evaluation ensures safety and compatibility. The liver’s exceptional regenerative capacity allows it to restore its original size after donation, making living donor transplants a remarkable advancement in saving lives.”
The latest data from NOTTO reveals a critical demand for organ replacement in India, with around 50,000 individuals awaiting transplants. Encouragingly, the country recorded around 15,000 organ transplants in 2022, underscoring the importance of boosting organ donations to save more lives.
Further explain about kidney transplant, Dr. Amit K. Devra, Director, Coordinator Kidney Transplant Programme, Department of Urology & Kidney Transplant, Jaypee Hospital said, “Kidney transplantation, a life-saving procedure, can be facilitated through living or cadaver donors. Living donors, typically family members or extended family members, voluntarily donate one of their kidneys. Cadaver organ donors are deceased individuals with brain dead whose organs are donated for transplantation after meeting certain criteria. Both types of kidney donation offer hope to patients with end-stage renal disease, providing an opportunity for improved quality of life and enhanced longevity.”
Despite the progress, India’s organ donation rate stands at approximately 0.52/million populations, emphasizing the need for further efforts to bridge the gap between demand and supply.
Dr. Anil Prasad Bhatt, Director, Department of Nephrology & Kidney Transplant, Jaypee Hospital said, “Pre-kidney transplant care is crucial to ensure a successful transplantation process. Patients undergo comprehensive evaluations to assess their overall health and suitability for the procedure. Medical teams meticulously review medical histories, conduct tests, and evaluate organ compatibility. Optimizing the patient’s health through medication adjustments, managing existing medical conditions, and promoting a healthy lifestyle are vital steps in preparing for a kidney transplant, ultimately enhancing the chances of a positive outcome.”
“Post-kidney transplant care is essential for a successful recovery and long-term transplant success. Patients receive specialized medical attention to prevent complications and rejection. Immunosuppressive medications are prescribed to suppress the body’s immune response and ensure the new kidney is not rejected. Regular follow-ups, monitoring of kidney function, and adhering to a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise are critical in maintaining the transplanted kidney’s health and overall well-being,” concluded Dr Vijay K. Sinha, Director, Department of Nephrology & Kidney Transplant, Jaypee Hospital
The event celebrated courageous organ donors and aimed to dispel myths surrounding organ donation. Families’ consent and supportive environments for donation discussions are crucial to inspiring more donors. Dr. K R Vasudevan, Dr. Amit K. Devra, Dr. Anil Prasad Bhatt, and Dr. Vijay Kumar Sinha addressed the event, which witnessed participation from donor families, highlighting the transformative power of organ donation.
