The Bengal Urological Society organised a programme “Cadaver Daan” to discuss how to implement a deceased organ donation programme in West Bengal. The meeting was arranged in Hotel ITC Select Fortune at Kolkata on 20^th April 2013 at 6.00 pm. Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff attended the session.

Dr. Asokan Subramani, father of late Hithendran (a multi-organ donor) was the chief guest. He shared his experience and the activities of A. P. Hithendran Memorial Trust. Dr. Umesh Oza, Urologist  gave a talk on challenges and reality of cadaver transplantation in Mumbai, followed by Dr. Amalorpavanathan, Convenor, Cadaver Transplant Programme, Tamil Nadu who spoke about the pathways which lead to the growth of deceased organ donation programme in the state. Ms. Veena, Senior Transplant Coordinator, MOHAN Foundation made a presentation on Grief Counselling & Transplant Coordination.

After listening to the experience of Tamil Nadu & Maharashtra, the Bengal Urological Society’s (BUS) Secretary, Dr. Amit Ghose invited a team of seven doctors for a panel discussion.  He  & Dr. Jayanta Basu moderated the session. The following matters were discussed during the session

1. Panel to certify brain death.
2. Government orders and guideline for organ donation and organ allocation.
3. A team to supervise deceased organ donation programme.
4. Training for doctors, nurses, transplant coordinators and para-medical staff involved in deceased organ donation programme.

At the conclusion of the programme it was planned to have a closed group meeting of government officials, police, hospital management, doctors and other stake holders to frame guidelines and to implement a deceased organ donation programme in West Bengal. The Bengal Urological Society will be at the forefront in initiating the “Cadaver Daan” programme to put an end to the commercial transplantations.