In a span of 48 hours, a second brain-dead victim’s organs were donated to three hospitals on Thursday. Earlier, a 25-year-old Jabalpur native who was declared brain-dead following an accident had reportedly given a new lease of life to five individuals by donating his organs. The donor’s wife took the selfless and courageous decision and gave the nod to donate his kidneys, heart, liver, and lungs. Be that as it may, organ donation is a noble act as it helps patients suffering from end-stage organ failure get a new lease of life. It is learnt that a single deceased donor can save up to eight lives by donating the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, small intestine, and pancreas. Though awareness regarding organ donation has increased in the last few years, in India, in many places, organ donation remains a taboo, often driven by various myths. The gap between people who need an organ transplant and the availability of organs is constantly rising.
At the time of brain death, when the donor is on a ventilator, the family is required to make the decision. Making a pledge helps the family in making the best decision possible. In Goa, several patients continue to wait for their turn for an organ transplant. This void can be filled only when more organ donors come forward. Awareness needs to be created among people about the importance of organ donation.
