On August 13, 2024, MOHAN Foundation, in collaboration with Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI), the Indian Medical Association (IMA) - Manipur State Branch, the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (APHI) - Manipur State Chapter, and the Body Organ Donors Association Manipur (BODAM), observed World Organ Donation Day at the IMA Hall, Lamphel, Imphal.

This event also marked the 6th foundation day of BODAM. The day aimed to honour deceased donor families, educate attendees on organ and whole-body donation, dispel myths and misconceptions, and inspire citizens to pledge to donate organs and tissues after death, thereby instilling the value of organ donation in their lives.

The dignitaries present included:

• Prof. Naorem Lokendra Singh, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal

• Dr. O. Sanahanbi Devi, Director, Directorate of Health Services

• Dr. Palin Khundongbam, President, APHI - Manipur State Chapter

• Dr. Soram Goutam, Secretary, IMA - Manipur State Branch

• Mr. M. Joychandra, President, BODAM

The main event featured honouring deceased donor families, felicitating pledgers, and speeches by dignitaries and resource persons.

Ms. Monica, one of the resource persons, conducted an awareness session on the "Concepts of Organ Donation" for the participants. She introduced MOHAN Foundation and outlined its aims and objectives. Her presentation covered various topics, including:

• The laws governing transplantation

• Types of donors

• Brain death vs. coma

• Facts and myths about organ donation

• The importance of the donor card

• The significance of family consent in the organ donation process

• A video presentation on the organ donation process as a tribute to deceased donor families

Dr. Th Naranbabu discussed the aspects of whole-body donation, including its purpose and the legal formalities involved. Dr. Sanahanbi Devi, in her speech, outlined the functions of the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (SOTTO) - Manipur, which is expected to enhance organ donation and transplantation in the region in the future. Dr. Soram Goutam emphasized the critical role of hospital and healthcare infrastructure in supporting the organ donation and transplantation ecosystem.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Palin, the Chief Guest, praised the region's potential for expanding organ transplantation in the near future. The final speech by the Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. Naorem Lokendra Singh, endorsed organ donation and stressed the importance of raising awareness among younger generations.

The event saw participation from various sections of the population, including specially-abled whole-body donation pledgers, students, Rotary Club members, and more. The program concluded with a vote of thanks from a BODAM member, who expressed gratitude to everyone involved, including members of the media, for their contributions to the event's success.

Approximately 300-350 participants attended the program.

Media coverage of the event:

World Organ Donation Day observed : 14th aug24 ~ E-Pao! Headlines

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