The 17th Annual Conference of the Network and Alliance of Transplant Coordinators (NATCO) was held on October 19-20, 2024, at the KD Hospital Auditorium in Ahmedabad, hosted by KD Hospital. This year’s conference, themed "Ethics in Action," emphasized the ethical aspects of organ donation and the critical role of transplant coordinators in promoting this life-saving cause.

MFJCF (MOHAN Foundation Jaipur Citizen Forum) played an active role in the conference. Bhavna Jagwani, MFJCF’s Convenor, chaired the session on the Swami Narayan Best TC Award on Day 1, serving as a judge and sharing her expertise with fellow transplant coordinators. Her leadership underscored MFJCF’s commitment to the professional growth of transplant coordinators and ethical practices in the field of organ donation.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Sunil Shroff, Managing Trustee of MOHAN Foundation, and Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. 

The 17th Annual Conference of the Network and Alliance of Transplant Coordinators (NATCO) was held on October 19-20, 2024, at the KD Hospital Auditorium in Ahmedabad, hosted by KD Hospital. This year’s conference, themed "Ethics in Action," emphasized the ethical aspects of organ donation and the critical role of transplant coordinators in promoting this life-saving cause.

MFJCF (MOHAN Foundation Jaipur Citizen Forum) played an active role in the conference. Bhavna Jagwani, MFJCF’s Convenor, chaired the session on the Swami Narayan Best TC Award on Day 1, serving as a judge and sharing her expertise with fellow transplant coordinators. Her leadership underscored MFJCF’s commitment to the professional growth of transplant coordinators and ethical practices in the field of organ donation.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Sunil Shroff, Managing Trustee of MOHAN Foundation, and Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. The two-day event began with the release of proceedings from the previous conference and opening remarks that set a reflective tone for discussions on ethics in transplantation.

Day 1 Highlights

The first day of the conference featured presentations on successful deceased organ donation programs in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Manipur, along with discussions on post-transplant care advancements. Bhavna Jagwani presented a slide on behalf of MFJCF, sharing insights into their efforts in Rajasthan and highlighting the organization’s role in promoting organ donation.

Dr. Anushree Nair, MFJCF’s Project Director, contributed to the conference’s free paper session, presenting a poster titled "Donor Family Rehabilitation: A Call for Compassionate Support and Recognition." Her presentation emphasized the importance of providing ongoing support to donor families, advocating for compassionate recognition of their contributions.

The free paper session attracted numerous delegates, with Dr. Vrishali Patil, Dr. Jamal Rizvi, and Prof. Rajesh Chandwani judging the presentations. This platform allowed participants to showcase innovative ideas and share experiences from the field, fostering collaboration and learning across organizations.

An emotional highlight of Day 1 was the screening of "God Vulture and Human," a documentary directed by Rishiraj Agarwal and co-produced by Prof. Rajesh Chandwani. This impactful film explored organ donation through the eyes of transplant coordinators, underscoring their pivotal role in the donation, retrieval, and transplantation process. The audience was deeply moved by the film, which highlighted the ethical responsibilities and emotional challenges coordinators face in their work.

Day 2 Highlights

The second day focused on practical aspects of organ donation, particularly in government hospitals, with presentations from AIIMS Raipur, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, JNIMS Imphal, and GMC Nagpur. Other key sessions included discussions on:

The relevance of the Declaration of Istanbul to India’s transplant practices

Techniques for improving documentation and protective measures for transplant coordinators

Utilizing government schemes for transplants and navigating real-world challenges

Crowdfunding efforts to support underprivileged patients requiring transplants

A standout moment on Day 2 was the Swami Narayan Memorial Oration delivered by Padma Shri awardee Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan, Managing Founder Director of the Jimmy McGilligan Centre for Sustainable Development. Her inspiring address emphasized the ethical and societal impact of organ donation, sharing her personal journey to motivate others in the field.

The conference concluded with a valedictory session led by Ms. Pallavi Kumar, who summarized key takeaways and expressed gratitude to the participants and organizers. Dr. Hemal Kanvinde announced the winners of the Swami Narayan Best TC Award and the Free Paper/Poster Presentation awards, marking the end of a successful and enriching conference. All participants received certificates, recognizing their contributions to this important cause.

With nearly 165 participants, including transplant coordinators and faculty from various institutions, the 17th Annual NATCO Conference provided a unique platform for professional growth, networking, and collaborative learning. MFJCF’s active involvement demonstrated its commitment to ethical practices and furthered its mission to advance organ donation and transplantation efforts in India.