On August 7, 2020, MOHAN Foundation was invited to conduct an online awareness session on organ donation for the employees (both on field and off field duty) of Steadfast MediShield Pvt. Ltd in Noida, UP. Its coverage was pan-India including its head office in Noida and 10 other branch office across India. The session was an initiative of Steadfast MediShield Pvt. Ltd (SMPL). It was organized by Ms. Sakshi Kaushik, Brand Manager, SMPL. Dr. Muneet Kaur Sahi, Programme Manager, MF NCR office was the resource person.

Steadfast MediShield Pvt. Ltd has been set up with an objective and purpose of providing products/therapies to fulfill the unmet needs in the management of various ailments of Kidney and Transplant. The company is making concerted efforts with a holistic approach towards the renal care fraternity, disease and the ailing populace so as to cover the entire spectrum and work continuously as a renal care company.

The session began with Ms. Sakshi welcoming all the participants and informing them that the session was organized to mark “International Organ Donation Day” on August 13 and to spread awareness on organ donation among the employees of SMPL so that they get encouraged to sign up for organ donation. She then introduced Dr. Muneet and invited her to conduct the session.

Dr Muneet spoke about her association with MOHAN Foundation. Before starting the session, a short movie on organ donation was shown to the participants. She began the session by asking the participants “Why do we need to donate our organs? She explained why there was an urgent need of donating organs in India. She informed the participants that more than 2 lakhs Indians require organ transplants annually and less than 10% are able to receive timely help. In every 10 minutes, a name is added on the waiting list for organs in India.

She explained the basic concepts of organ donation and transplantation with the help of a simple powerpoint presentation. The following topics were explained in detail:

• Organ donation and its need in the society
• When and how does organ donation take place
• Organs that can be donated during life and after death
• Transplant waiting list in India
• Brain death
• Difference between brain death and coma
• Transplant Law
• Eye donation

While on the subject of brain death, a short movie was shown to give clarity on the subject and to enumerate the difference between coma and brain death. The topics of brain death certification and Brain Death Committee in the Hospitals were also explained. Myths around organ donation were also discussed.

The participants enthusiastically contributed to the discussion and asked many queries. To name a few: 

• Can a brain dead patient be alive again?
• How does MOHAN Foundation get information about someone’s death and how do they coordinate if someone wishes to donate organs?
• On what basis, hospitals decide which recipient should get the organ first?
• Is there ever a conflict between saving a life and organ donation?
• Will my family incur any expenses if I am an organ donor?
• Does donor family get to know the recipient’s detail?
• How are recipients matched to donors?
• What disqualifies one from being an organ donor?
• Is directed or conditional organ donation happening in India?
• What is the difference between organ donation and whole body donation?
• Is there any age limit for donating organs?
• Can I donate organs to a friend or a loved one awaiting a transplant?
• Is there any medical contradiction that stops a person from being an organ donor?

Dr. Muneet explained the importance of eye donation and the whole process of eye donation. She motivated the audience to pledge for organ and eye donation. She also explained how one could pledge to be an organ donor. 

Mr. Aman Puri, Director of Steadfast MediShield Pvt. Ltd was one of the attendees.

In the end, Ms. Sakshi Kaushik gave the vote of thanks. She said that the session was very informative and encouraged the employees to pledge for organ donation.

The session went on for an hour and close to 90 participants attended the session.