On September 27, 2023, MOHAN Foundation conducted an awareness session on organ donation for the staffs of Primary Health Centre (PHC), Mekola. Ms. Laishram Monica Devi, Programme Officer and Ms. Thoidingjam Udayini Khuman, Transplant Coordinator of MOHAN Foundation attended the session as the key speakers.

 

Dr. Joykumar Singh Leichombam, Chief Medical Officer, Imphal-West District; Dr. Kimthang, District Nodal Officer, Ayushman Bhava Campaign, CMO Imphal-West Pool; Dr. Rebika Devi, Medical Officer In-Charge, PHC, Mekola and the staffs of the health centre attended the session. The programme was conducted as a part of the ongoing Ayushman Health Mela.

 

Dr. Rebika opened the session and invited Ms. Monica to begin the talk. Ms. Monica introduced MOHAN Foundation, its objectives and visions to the participants.

 

She opened the discussion by providing a quick review of living kidney transplantation in Manipur. She spoke about the challenges experienced by people who do not have a donor but are on the organ transplant waiting list and hope for a miracle. The scenario of organ donation, the demand and supply status, the concerns of organ trading in India, and how to stop this practise were all explained to staff. She also discussed the difference between brain death and heart death, organ donation myths and reality, and the significance of family consent in organ donation. The narrative of Manipur's first deceased organ donation was also told.

 

Ms. Udayini later asked about their views towards organ donation. She also explained how to register for a pledge on the National Organs and Tissues Transplant Organization's (NOTTO) website. The season was very interactive, with participants enthusiastically contributing to the discussion and asking numerous questions. Such as:

 

- Minimum age to be an organ donor.

- Viability of organs after retrieval.

- What will be the alternative option if the donor’s family consents but fails to proceed with the donation process due to other medical problems?

 

At the end of the session, Dr. Rebika and Dr. Joykumar thanked MF team for taking out time and raising awareness for the noble cause.

 

Close to 28 participants attended the session.