Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Sep 27: AJ Hospital on Sunday September 27 organised public shows in association with NSS students and theme-oriented dance performance by experts, as part of its 'Jeevanvileena' awareness campaign on organ donation.

The event was held at City Centre Mall. The campaign which was launched on September 20, is being held in collaboration with Mohan Foundation, Chennai.

Vinutha, NSS coordinator was the chief guest. Panduranga Kamath recited a poem written by him on organ donation.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Prashanth Maarla, medical director, AJ Hospital & Research Centre said, "The campaign 'Jeevanvileena' is aimed at encouraging organ donation when a person is brain dead. When someone meets with an accident and becomes brain dead, the person's organs can give life to 7 people. This is not only an awareness campaign on organ donation but also on road safety. Most of the brain dead cases happen because of road accidents. So taking care of safety is very important."

Dr Raghavendra Nayak, surgeon, AJ Hospital & Research Centre said, "I congratulate Dr Maarla for his vision in organizing this awareness campaign. Kidney transplantations are being done in Mangaluru from a long time. When a living donor donates kidney, it gives life to one person. But when a brain dead person's organs are donated, it can give life to many people. Once a person is brain dead there are zero chances of returning to normal. A person who is in coma can return to normal, but not a brain dead person. Hence we request everyone to enroll for organ donation."

The campaign will culminate with a valedictory ceremony on October 10.