The Divine Gift of Organ Donation – Awareness programme in Madurai, the Temple Town
Meenakshi Mission Hospital & Research Centre, Madurai organized an awareness programme on “Organ Donation & Deceased Donor Transplantation” for medical, paramedical & non-medical professionals. The programme was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Shri. K. Magudapathy, Asst. Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Madurai City. He expressed his support for the cause of organ donation and pledged to donate his organs. He assured the gathering that the police would be helpful whenever contacted in case of organ donation, since most brain-dead persons are victims of road traffic accidents.
The scientific session started with a presentation by Dr. K. Sampathkumar, Senior Consultant Nephrologist on the ‘Transplant Scene – Global & India.’ He spoke about the ‘Ramachandra Protocol’ that is followed in deceased donor transplantation. Then, Dr. J. Amalorpavanathan, Convenor, Cadaver Transplant Programme (CTP), Tamil Nadu explained the regulatory framework in India and organ allocation principles and practices. He said that the public is now aware about organ donation, but there is a need to set up a multidisciplinary team to make it successful in other zones of Tamil Nadu. He said that the medical professionals and management in other parts of the state should come forward to take up this cause effectively. For example, a patient from Thirunelveli, who has been registered for transplantation in a hospital in Chennai when intimated about the availability of an organ from a deceased donor finds it difficult to reach Chennai on time. It is also time consuming to transport the organ to Thirunelveli. The CTP has now decided to send an SMS alert to all patients who are top of the list, so that the family is prepared to make the required arrangements in Chennai in advance.
Dr. Deiveegan, Neurosurgeon, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai spoke on ‘Brain Death Certification.’ He detailed the series of tests to be performed to confirm brain death and the panel of doctors who certify brain death. Dr. Deiveegan said that the government should think about providing an incentive to the donor families, which could promote this cause.
Ms.Veena, Grief counselor & Transplant Coordinator of MOHAN Foundation, made a presentation on counseling skills, grief counseling, and procedures to be followed in deceased organ donor coordination. Later she explained the purpose of documentation and report writing. She also mentioned that all hospitals can initially start with campaigns on blood donation and eye donation. Every individual in the hospital should be sensitized about organ donation and frequent public awareness programmes will spread the importance of this noble cause.
Dr. Senthilnathan, Medical Director, Genzyme India Pvt Ltd, said that there was great potential for deceased organ donation in the districts – the focus needs to be on education. The programme was organized by Meenakshi Mission Hospital & Research Centre in association with Genzyme India Pvt Ltd.
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