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August 13th every year is a special day - but not celebrated enough. It is the Indian Organ Donation Day. In a country with festivals galore, this is one occasion that needs more attention.
Check out the landscape: estimates indicate that in India about 5 lakh people die annually due to the unfortunate lack of Organ donors. Of these, about 2 lakh persons are awaiting liver donors, 1.50 lakh people are suffering from kidney complications necessitating a transplant, at least a lakh are eagerly looking for succour as they are victims of blindness and 50 thousand are victims of heart ailments, seeking transplant. What makes this scenario dismal is that despite our gargantuan population of over 1.2 billion, there are only about 0.08 organ donors per million population (PMP). Compare this with numbers from some other nations: ranging from 10 (for United States, Germany, etc.) to 40 PMP (for Belgium, Singapore, Spain, etc.).
This translates into an enormous tragedy for those in acute need of organ transplant in India, as it is generally accepted that one donor can save up to 8 or 9 lives.
First, it is important to understand that organ donors are of two kinds: Living donors and Deceased Cadaver Donors. The first category refers to people who contribute their organ when alive - typically these are for organs like kidney, liver, etc. The second case arises only after the donor has deceased (including a medical situation called 'Brain Dead'). This is what causes more consternation & becomes a social challenge.
What causes this anomaly? As always, there are many factors that have contributed to this situation. Let us examine a few of the major reasons, broadly classified as Individual and Structural.
The chief Individual factor is ignorance in the populace. There are various myths associated with such donation. In fact, most religions do not frown upon the practice of donation, and actually encourage it. Yet, few have taken the lead to actively step up and create a positive drive in their followers to become active donors. In a country were large masses are easily swayed by religious leaders & godmen, consider how these opinion makers could have become a force for good.
This is very relevant because there are two key parties involved in any donation process. The first is the donor himself who pledges his organs, and the second is the family who actually ensure that the donor's wishes are respected, after he passes away. If the latter has emotional misgivings when the time comes for action, then too the outcome is a lost opportunity - and worse, many lives get snuffed out due to inaction.
Further, there is a mistaken belief that the body is disfigured during the donation process. This is an important myth to bust: few understand that medical procedures are carefully executed so that the donors are carefully managed so that their body is well-preserved for their last rites.
The Structural gaps also need addressing. First, the Indian system requires 'Family Consent' as mentioned earlier. Contrast this with nations having the 'Presumed Consent' model (for instance in Singapore, Spain, etc.) where donors have to 'opt out' from the default situation where organ donations are automatic.
Another element here is the need for speed in processing when a donor does become available. While there can be no short-cuts (to prevent illegal organ trade which has raised its ugly head in many instances), the absence of qualified staff and insufficient or lack of physical facilities for organ preservation is also a problem.
Lest I seem to present too dark a picture (and, yes, there is much to be done), there are a few silver linings. Government records indicate that organ transplants have risen over the years, reflected in a growing number of NGOs who have taken up this cause. The rise of social media has also benefitted those in need as the virtual voices gather in louder decibels whenever an acute case becomes known. Further, social media can also be harnessed to generate awareness to help those who are not so lucky to either have funds or friends when emergencies arise.
Besides, the medical world can also do more. Having better software to track cases of donors (during & post surgeries), and using the Cloud to store and share information with the larger ecosystem can go a longer way in offering hope to those in despair.
The government has taken steps too, putting in place regulatory mechanism - some States (like Tamil Nadu) being better than others. For instance, 'Brain Dead' is a legal position as per The Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA), 1994, and becomes the basis for positive actions that can be taken (with due safeguards).
What is most crucial is that we create greater awareness in all the circles that we are in touch with - starting now! So, here is your call for action - a gift from you to someone else, a gift of life: sign up to become a donor and talk to your family to share your reasons & convince them to support you when the time comes. While there are various organizations to contact, here's one for you: www.shatayu.org.in
Become an active participant - and save lives!
To read the complete issue click here.
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