On October 22, 2024, Mr. Bulu Behera, a transplant coordinator from the MOHAN Foundation, conducted an informative session on organ donation at the Matru Sewa Sangh Institute of Social Work (MSSISW), Bajaj Nagar, Nagpur. The session was organized by Dr. Amod Gurjar, the Director of the MSW Program at MSSISW, and was attended by students from MSW Part 1 and Part 2. The program took place in the Tyal Hall of the college and was aimed at spreading awareness about organ donation among the students.

Mr. Behera began his lecture with an overview of organ donation, explaining the difference between organs and tissues, and elaborating on the types of organs and tissues that can be donated. He discussed natural death and brain death, clarifying what can be donated after each type of death. He further explained the eligibility criteria for organ donation, including the age limits for organ and tissue donation. The critical time factor involved in organ transplants was highlighted, emphasizing the importance of quick action in such situations.

The session also addressed common myths and facts about organ donation, dispelling misunderstandings and encouraging students to make informed decisions. Mr. Behera provided detailed information about the legal process of organ donation, including the provisions of the Organ Transplant Act of 1994. He also shared insights on national and regional organizations such as the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (ROTTO), State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (SOTTO), and Zonal Transplant Coordination Centres (ZTCC), which play a crucial role in the coordination of organ donation efforts.

Additionally, Mr. Behera explained the role of the MOHAN Foundation in facilitating organ donation awareness and providing support throughout the donation process. He also shared information about donor cards, helplines, and the importance of registering as an organ donor. A Q&A session followed the lecture, where Mr. Behera answered several queries from the students, including questions about hair transplants, the difference between coma and brain death, the need for follow-up care after kidney transplants, and the format of organ donation training programs, whether online or physical.

At the end of the session, Mr. Behera thanked Dr. Amod Gurjar for facilitating the event and acknowledged the importance of raising awareness about organ donation. A total of 60 students attended the session, and 7 of them expressed their commitment to organ donation by signing up for donor cards.

This informative session was a step towards educating future social workers about the significance of organ donation and the impact it can have on saving lives.