Despite facing certain issues in Organ Donation during COVID, experts opine that these obstacles can be cleared with proper awareness among people
13th August is observed as World Organ Donation Day across the world. In order to create awareness among general public on organ donation is organized on this day across the nation. In this context, Renova Hospitals – Sanath Nagar has organized an awareness program on Organ Awareness targeting its staff members and patients today. Dr. G Swarna Latha, Incharge – Jeevandhan programme of Telangana Government was the chief guest to the program and delivered a key note address.
Smt Shanthi, Chief Operating Officer, Renova Hospitals Group has welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries attending the program. Speaking on the occasion, Smt Shanthi said that the program is organized in order to create awareness on organ donation among staff members and also to encourage them to come forward for organ donation. She also expressed willingness of Renova Hospitals to be part of Jeevandhan program.
Later speaking on the occasion, Dr G Swarnalatha, Incharge Jeevandhan Program, Telangana Government has explained that Kidney, Liver like organs are being obtained from living human beings, but organs like Heart, Lungs etc can be obtained only from those declared as Brain Dead. In order to encourage organ donation by the family members of those declared brain dead can be achieved only by creating awareness among people says Dr Swarnalatha. As organs retrieved from a single brain dead person can save nine lives, she explained that the issue of creating awareness has become more important these days. She appealed to people and other organizations working in the domain to create more awareness on this issue.
Dr Swarnalatha also opined that organ donation programme was impacted heavily due to COVID pandemic. It is due to failure in retrieving organs from those contracting COVID is one major cause, she added. She also explained that there is a decrease of 40% in organ donation program. Further adding to it, she said that experts has seen some reduction in availability of Lungs due to COVID as the decease is seen to be damaging the lungs mainly. Right now in Telangana, more number of patients are on wait list for donation of Liver and Lungs. She also revealed that around 800 transplantations occurred in Telangana in last 8 years.
Later speaking on the occasion, Dr Spandana, General Physician, Renova Hospitals has explained that the awareness program will enable the hospital staff to gain better understanding of the organ donation process. She also revealed that around 100 staff members have provided their consent to donate organs. She assured that the hospital will encourage patients, staff members to come forward for organ donation.
At the end of the program, Dr Spandana has hand over the consent forms given by staff members to Dr Swarnalatha. Later the medical, non medical staff members accompanied by Dr Swarnalatha have begun a signature campaign to pledge their support to organ donation.
The programs is attended by Dr Swarnalatha along with Smt. Shanthi, COO, Renova Hospitals Group, Dr Spandana, General Physican, Renova Hospitals, Sanath Nagar, Sri P Sekhar, Center Head, Renova Hospitals, Sanath Nagar and medical, para medical and non medical staff members of Renova Hospitals Sanath Nagar.
