Bengaluru: Nephrology Association of Karnataka (NAK) and State Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (SOTTO) of Karnataka successfully hosted their joint seminar, “A Gift Like No Other,” on March 16, 2023, with Dr. Ishthiaque Ahmed, Convenor-NAK; Dr. Limesh M, Co-Convenor-NAK and Dr. M Kiran Kumar, Member Secretary of SOTTO leading the organizing team.
The seminar which concluded at API Bhavan in Bengaluru emphasized the false myths and superstitions surrounding organ donation while educating about the poor organ donation rate in India as compared to many other countries.
Organ donation after brain death is a life-saving possibility for those in need of vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, intestine, cornea, skin, tendons, cartilages, heart valves and bones. When a person is declared brain dead by medical professionals following established guidelines, the organs can be surgically retrieved from cadaveric donors (Braindead) and transplanted to the patients in need.
It’s important to understand that brain death is a permanent and irreversible condition where there is a complete loss of brain function. However, the heart may continue to beat for a short period of time with the help of ventilators and other artificial support systems. During this time, the vital organs can be kept alive and harvested for transplantation.
The seminar witnessed an impressive turnout, with a diverse group of participants from various professions. The event brought together experts and eminent personalities from different fields to share their views and experiences on the subject of organ donation.
The keynote speakers included Justice Santhosh Hegde, Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Sri. Shivarudra Swamiji, Rev. Fr. Victor Lobo, Dr. Mohammed Taha Mateen and Sri. Randeep D IAS.
During the seminar, the experts addressed the misconceptions surrounding organ donation, highlighting the importance of spreading awareness about this life-saving option. The speakers shared real-life examples and success stories of organ donations, which had a profound impact on the participants.
The seminar was an emotionally stirring experience and the participants drove home the importance of organ donation.
Key takeaways of the seminar:
* A single donor can save up to 8 lives and help up to 50 people through organ and tissue donation.
* The process of organ donation after brain death is a safe and effective procedure that can provide a life-saving opportunity for those in need.
* The seminar stressed the importance of spreading awareness about organ donation and debunking the myths and misconceptions surrounding it.
Summary of participant takeaways:
* A patient who received an organ donation shared his emotional journey and how it has given him a new lease on life.
* A patient who is currently on the waiting list for an organ shared his story and how he eagerly awaits the life-changing gift of an organ donation.
* A family who donated their loved one’s organs shared their experience and how it was a difficult but ultimately fulfilling decision.
Societal Impact:
* The seminar inspired many participants to spread awareness about the cause.
* The stories shared by the organ recipient, the patient on the waiting list, and the family who donated organs left a profound impact on the attendees.
* The success of the seminar is expected to pave the way for more such initiatives in the future.
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