Organ donation is an unquantifiable gift given to an individual in need out of a real desire to help.
All of us should consider themselves potential organ and tissue donors. No one is just too old or too young to be a deceased donor—regardless of age, health, race, or ethnicity.
Organ donation is a gift of life. It has no cost and tremendous power. Sign up to save lives: https://t.co/ZJYmVCdBGs #WhyPledge pic.twitter.com/U6vA0fxHXU
— ORGAN INDIA (@ORGANINDIA1) April 29, 2020
The major reason behind the organ shortage in India is the lack of awareness among the public about the procedure for organ donation.
Myths like ‘my religion do not allow me to donate’ is not true as organ donation is supported by all major religions as a final act of generosity towards others. Here are a few popular myths, and facts to prove why they are wrong-
- Myth– I even have a medical condition, so can I be a donor.
Fact– People who smoke, drink, or have an unhealthy diet can still donate. You don’t need to be in perfect health to save lots of lives. The transplant team considers a person’s time of death to decide whether the donation is possible or not. Even with an illness, you’ll be able to donate your organs or tissues. - Myth– I’m too old to be a donor.
Fact- There’s no age limit for organ donation. What matters is that the health and condition of your organs when you die. - Myth– Organ and tissue donation disfigures the body
Fact– Organ donation is specialized surgery and doesn’t disfigure the body. The surgical incision made during the procedure is going to be closed and covered as in any other operation and can not be visible beneath the person’s clothes. The body of the donor is always treated with dignity and respect. - Myth– If they see I’m a donor at the hospital, the hospital will not attempt to save my life.
Fact-When you are sick or injured and admitted to a hospital, doctors’ only priority is to save your life. Donation doesn’t become a possibility until all lifesaving methods have failed.
Organ donation is the most valuable gift which can truly make a difference in someone’s life. One donor can save up to eight lives, and a tissue donor can bring positive changes in the lives of up to 75 people with their life-enhancing gifts. With such gifts, organ and tissue recipients have the chance to live healthy, active lives.
Few things you should know before you opt to donate your organs-
- In order to be a donor, you can contact NGO which will assist you to get an organ donation card or you can fill an online pledge form. This card will declare you as an individual who would really like to donate after death.
You can make a difference, you can change lives! Sign up to become a donor and encourage your friends and family to join you too. Visit https://t.co/9rTfroFTnH to register. #AboutORGANIndia pic.twitter.com/oMLibkoJNE
— ORGAN INDIA (@ORGANINDIA1) October 13, 2020
- Make sure you inform your family about your wish to donate because according to Indian law it’s your kin who decide whether to donate or not. Informing your family will make them mentally prepared to fulfill your wish and to cooperate with healthcare personnel.
- Transplant and organ donation rules state that after the organs are harvested, the hospital will return the body of the deceased to the relations in an aesthetic manner.
- If you are suffering from any chronic condition like liver failure, renal disorder or heart conditions, etc, that organ isn’t harvested since it can’t be used.
- Once a patient is said brain dead, which implies there has been permanent damage to all or any brain functions and also the condition is irreversible, the protocol of organ transplantation is initiated only after the family gives its consent.