Organ donation is the noblest gift Awareness can help save many more lives ‘Angdaan Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyan’ organised by KIMS College of Nursing

Organ donation can give a new lease of life to several people even after a person’s death, and widespread public awareness is essential to remove misconceptions surrounding organ donation, speakers said at a special awareness programme organised as part of the national campaign “Angdaan Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyan.”

The programme was held at KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad, under the joint aegis of KIMS Group of Hospitals, the National Service Scheme (NSS), KIMS Educational Society and KIMS College of Nursing and Dr. B. Bhaskar Rao, Chairman and Managing Director, KIMS Group of Hospitals. The event, organised with the theme “Organ Donation – Gift Life, Leave a Legacy,” witnessed the participation of doctors, nursing students and faculty members in large numbers.

Addressing the gathering, said organ donation was one of the noblest humanitarian acts and could save many lives. He stressed the need for families to discuss organ donation openly and make informed decisions.

Dr. S. Manimala Rao, Director, Medical Education (Academics), KIMS Hospitals, said organ donation represented the highest form of service to humanity and that a decision to donate organs after death could bring hope to many families.

Program Director & Chair Thoracic Organ, Transplantation Assist Devices, Dr. Sandeep Gangaya Attawar explained that organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys could be retrieved after brain death and transplanted into patients in need. He noted that a single organ donor could save up to eight lives and improve the quality of life of more than 50 people through tissue donation.

Kidney transplant specialists Dr. Saharia and Dr. Uma Maheswara Rao said awareness about organ transplantation was gradually increasing among the public, but much more awareness was still needed. They observed that transplantation significantly improved quality of life and called upon educational institutions to promote a positive attitude towards organ donation among young people.

Dr.Saurabh Lall, Chief Operating Officer, KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad, urged nursing students to become ambassadors of organ donation and carry the message into society.

Families of organ donors were felicitated during the programme under the leadership of K. Manga Devi, President, Organ Donation and Cadaver Transplant Service.

Experts also explained the importance of organ donation,donor registration procedures and the medical process followed after brain death. Students took an organ donation pledge and resolved to participate actively in awareness programmes.

The event was attended by Dr. Harini Chebrolu, President of KIMS Educational Society, along with faculty members and students. Concluding the programme, the organisers reiterated that “Organ donation is the greatest donation; a single decision can save many lives.”