Spreading awareness is the key to Organ donation
26th November 2021, Mumbai: The 12th Indian Organ Donation Day was commemorated at MGM Healthcare, a leading multi-specialty quaternary care hospital, Chennai in association with The Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu (TRANSTAN) today.
Dr. R Kanthimathi, Member Secretary, Transplant Authority of Tamil Nādu along with Dr J Amalorpavanathan – Head Transplant Process – Sr. Consultant Vascular Surgery, MGM Healthcare and Dr K R Balakrishnan – Chairman – Cardiac Sciences, Director – Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support, MGM Healthcare participated in the event along with a team of renowned doctors from the hospital.
Dr. R Kanthimathi, Member Secretary, Transplant Authority of Tamil Nādu, who was the chief guest of the event said, “MGM healthcare has always put in their best efforts in the field of organ transplantation even during the tough times of pandemic. The heart and lung team has carried out a total of 53 heart transplants last year. It is a delight to be a part of this occasion amongst the most esteemed doctors in the city. Organ Donation is a space where there is constant need of creating awareness and encouraging people to lend a helping hand by signing up for organ donation. On this special occasion I would like to appreciate all the organ donors who have come forward to save the lives of people.”
Speaking at the occasion, Dr J Amalorpavanathan, Head Transplant Process at MGM Healthcare stated that, MGM Healthcare is known for the best use of CM fund for organ transplants. The hospital in its first year of functioning had performed six kidney transplants, 10 liver transplants and 45 of heart and lung transplants each. In the second year, we have successfully achieved 29 kidney transplants, 29 liver transplant, 53 heart transplants and lung transplants. We are all set to continue this pace of helping the people in need of organs and encouraging more people to sign-up for donations. We are also looking to kick start corneal transplants at the earliest.”
Dr K R Balakrishnan- Cardiac Sciences, Director – Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support in his address shared his experiences in treating a boy from Russia for a bilateral lung transplant procedure recently and successfully carrying a transplant in a Covid infected patient. The successful transplant on Covid infected patient, was even published in the prestigious international medical journal LANCET, he added.
It is stated that around 5 lakh people in India need organ donation every year. Each day, 17 people die for the lack of availability of donors for organ transplant. Studies have revealed that only 0.65% of the people come forward for organ donation.
The event highlighted on the myths around organ donation and the challenges faced to negate the fear and sense of quandary in the minds of public.
