Angels of Change Volunteer Training program was conducted at Century Multi-Specialty Hospital, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. The program started at 10’o Clock in the morning on 22^nd December 2018 with 29 participants from various NGO’s and other organizations. The program started with a brief introduction on organ donation and the services of MOHAN Foundation by the Country Director, Mrs. Lalitha Raghuram. Dr. Hemal Kanvinde, Quality Assurance Officer explained about the importance of Angels of Change and its purpose with the handbook given to the participants. Dr. Srivari Bhanu Chandra (Senior Transplant Co-ordinator) took a session on Organ Donation and Transplantation, which was very informative to the participants.

The program was inaugurated by Dr. Kamal Kiran (Nephrologist, Century Hospital). He shared his experiences and importance of organ donation while many were dying due to lack of organs. Later, Mrs. Raghuram shared her personal experience as a donor family. Then, two recipients shared their experiences about their pre-surgery and post-surgery and they conveyed their gratitude towards the donor family. There was a panel discussion with transplant surgeons, transplant coordinators, donor family and recipients. It was a very meaningful session to the participants and everyone understood the procedures and process in organ donation and transplants. Dr. Kamal Kiran (Nephrologist) Dr. Prasad (Kidney Transplant Surgeon) and Dr. Hemanth (Heart Transplant Surgeon) gave information on the situation of organ failure patients and changes in their lives after a transplant. Mr. K. Raghuram explained about the role of transplant coordinators and narrated a Donor Story.

They urged the volunteers to learn everything during the training and be sure of all the facts. They gave tips on how the volunteers can help the cause. 

Soon after that, the participants were divided into groups who did group discussions on public awareness, public survey, events, social media for organ donation and transplants.  Each group was given an hour’s time to deliberate and learn the topic well. Then, each group presented their topics with great enthusiasm. The group was very energetic and interested to gain knowledge from the sessions and also from others experiences too.  Communication skills were learnt and developed. The program concluded at 4.30 pm with a vote of thanks by Dr. Bhanu. Everyone gave positive feedback about the entire program and mentioned that they were made aware about the importance of organ donation and that they were very inspired.

We thank Century Hospital for sponsoring the Angels of Change program wholeheartedly.  We also thank the Interns Mr. Sachin and Mr. Sonny of Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore and an Angels of Change Ms. Nimisha for their help during the training.