On July 20, 2024, MOHAN Foundation conducted an organ donation awareness session at the BAR Council, Judicial Court, Rishikesh. The session was organized at the invitation of Adv. Kapil Sharma, President of the BAR Council, Rishikesh.
Mr. Sanchit Arora, Project Leader at the MOHAN Foundation stationed at AIIMS Rishikesh, served as the session's speaker. The event was attended by BAR Council members, advocates, and staff at the Judicial Court.
The session began with Mr. Arora inviting participants to share their knowledge about organ donation. He then provided detailed information on the current status of organ donation in India, covering the following topics:
- What is organ donation, and why is it important?
- Who can be an organ donor?
- Explanation of live and deceased donors
- Organ donation during life and after death
- Brain death
- Apnea test
- Differences between coma and brain death
- Eye donation, skin donation, and steps required to preserve corneas after death
- Whole body donation
- Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act 1994
- Living kidney transplantation facility at AIIMS Rishikesh
- How individuals can contribute to this noble cause
- Organ donor card
- Myths and facts about organ donation
- Role of the MOHAN Foundation and helpline number
Participants shared their experiences, including one who mentioned donating the bodies of both parents at AIIMS Rishikesh in 2023, and another two advocates who had already pledged to donate their corneas after death.
The session was highly interactive, with participants enthusiastically contributing to the discussion and asking numerous questions, such as:
- What legal documentation is required for living donation and deceased donation?
- What is the allocation process for organs for transplantation?
- Can an advocate be a member of the state Appropriate Authority?
- Why do patients’ families have to wait for months to obtain many legal permissions if they have a donor?
- Can MOHAN Foundation provide organs when there is a need?
- What is the total mortality rate of end-stage kidney failure in Uttarakhand?
- What is the incidence of dialysis patients in Uttarakhand?
Approximately 35 participants attended the session.
Source-Mr. Sanchit Arora