On 3^rd July 2019, representative from MOHAN (Multi Organ Harvesting Aid Network) Foundationin association with Transplants – Help The Poor Foundation and Department of Anaesthesiology, Indira Gandhi Govt. Medical College(IGGMC) conducted an awareness session on “Organ donation” at Sub-district hospital, Kamptee. It was attended by the hospital’s doctors, nursesand paramedic staff. This was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Vaishali C Shelgaonkar, Professor and HOD, Department of Anaesthesiology, at IGGMC Nagpur, who is also the Nodal Officer for Organ Donation Programme for IGGMC.

The session began around 12:15 pm was attended by 20 staff and lasted for around 30 minutes. Ms. Prarthana Dwivedi, Transplant Coordinator conducted whole proceedings.

The concepts of organ donation, why and when is a transplantation required, various organs that can be donated, types of donors, types of death, viability of organs after retrieval, difference between brain death and coma, Transplantation of Human Organs Act, myths and misconceptions related to organ donation were explained. Details of Organ donation Helpline No. 1800 103 7100 was also shared.

The following were a few questions asked:

• Will the body be disfigured following donation?
• What are the organs that can be donated while living?
• How to register as an organ donor online?
• How will a family know about a registered organ donors’ wish after his death?
• For how long can corneas stored?

MOHAN Foundation is thankful to Sub-district hospital, Kamptee and Dr. Vaishali Shelgaonkar for the opportunity.