Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)
Mangaluru, Oct 10: The 20-day 'Jeevanvileena' awareness campaign on organ donation, organised by AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, drew to an end with a ceremony at Institute's auditorium here on Saturday October 10.
Minister for health and family welfare U T Khader inaugurated the ceremony.
In his inaugural address, Khader said, "Awareness regarding organ donation is very important. Today if AJ Institute has to do organ transplantation it does not have to wait for the team to come from the Bengaluru. The thing is, during emergency there is nobody to take the right decision. Therefore, we have given the power to institutions to take decisions. When science and technology are incorporated in healthcare, then transplantation and medication becomes easy.
"Spreading awareness in India is not an easy task. It is not a big issue in Mangaluru, Bengaluru and Mysuru. In interior places and rural areas in Karnataka, creating awareness is tough. Organ transplantation is very important. Blood donation can be done easily without the permission from the family members, but for the transplantation of organs, you must seek permission from family members and sometimes they may reject. It might not be easy today to convince family members but in future it is certain that more people will realize the importance of organ donation," he added.
"The mindset of the people of Mangaluru regarding organ donation has to be changed. Science and technology has given us an opportunity to not only live for ourselves but also live for others. We cannot compare ourselves to other countries. Our tradition is different from other countries. We can break laws but cannot break our culture and tradition. As far as I am concerned, the government is coming forward in helping NGOs in donating organs and supporting them. We will hold meeting with the NGOs, doctors and others who are into organ transplantation. We will sit and discuss all the measures required to eradicate the loopholes," he said.
"Every medical institution must have 'brain death audit committee. The problem is now that very few medical insitutions have this committee. Brain death cannot be declared by an ordinary person or any doctor. There should be a committee for that, as there are rules and procedures also. Once the person is declared as brain dead then the committee must have counselling sessions with that person's family members and brief them about organ transplantation," he added.
Deptuy commissioner A B Ibrahim said, "All are scared of donating organs, because people think organs may be misused or have other such doubts. But now the system has improved and everyone can donate organs without much fear. Travails and tribulation involved in organ transplatation is hard today also. One of the issues is regarding giving body (cadaver donation) to medical colleges for research and anatomical study. As of now there is no set rule in this regard
I believe the law can be changed. There are nearly eight medical colleges in Mangaluru and most of them face shortage of cadavers. Definitely, our health minister will look into this issue.
"Organ transplantation is a very expensive affair. It is not for the common man, but it has to be made accessible to the common man. I do not think average or middle class families can avail it. Now the government and institutions can join hands and make it affordable to the common man," he added.
Sandalwood actor, singer and music director Gurukiran in his address said, "Live for others than live for yourself. Bring awareness among the public. This campaign may take more time being recognized but it is going to bear fruits in future."
In his presidential address, chairman, AJ Group of Institutions said, "Everybody has to do something good for the society. Donating organs is something good. This kind of campaign will encourage people to come forward to donate their organs. I hope there will be a good number of donors in future."
Dr Prashanth Marla, medical director, AJ Hospital welcomed the gathering. Dr Sunil P Shenoy, consultant urologist gave an overview on the 'Jeevanvileena' organ donation campaign. Dr Raghavendra Nayak proposed the vote of thanks.
On this occasion Shivani from 1st PU expressed her gratitutde to the AJ Institution in helping her to receive organ many years ago and also thanked Dr Prashanth Marla. U T Khader released donor cards.
Dr Suman, Mohan Foundation, K Amarnath Shetty, former minister and others were also present on this occaison.