The Department of Urology & Nephrology at AIIMS Rishikesh organized a program focusing on “Renal Transplantation & Organ Donation” on February 09, 2024, in the OPD waiting area of the Department of Urology. The event, in collaboration with the College of Nursing and MOHAN Foundation, aimed to raise awareness about organ donation and renal transplantation.

The program commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Ankur Mittal, HOD, Department of Urology, AIIMS Rishikesh, highlighting the significance of the event in promoting both renal transplantation and organ donation.

During the program, winners of the Pan-India Rangoli Competition, organized by the MOHAN Foundation on January 20, 2024, were felicitated by Prof. Meenu Singh, Director, AIIMS Rishikesh. This recognition honored their creative contributions to spreading awareness about organ donation.

Furthermore, the program included the felicitation of donors and recipients of renal transplants, showcasing success stories from AIIMS Rishikesh. These stories served as inspiring examples of the positive impact of organ donation and transplantation on individuals' lives.

Community Radio Rishikesh actively participated in the event, capturing sound bites from one donor and one recipient from the same family, resulting in six success stories. These recordings aimed to disseminate positive awareness about renal transplantation and organ donation to a wider audience.

Mr. Vikram Negi, a kidney recipient from Nainital, Uttarakhand, shared valuable insights regarding his transplant experience. When he first came to the Department of Nephrology, AIIMS Rishikesh, doctors discovered that one of his kidneys was damaged, and a transplant was the only viable option. His father, Laxman Negi, bravely decided to donate one of his kidneys to his son. Mr. Negi conveyed a positive message to society, emphasizing that if a family member is suffering from any renal disease and transplantation is the only option, then another family member should step forward for kidney donation. He highlighted that a person could lead a normal life with just one kidney.

A street play (nukkad natak) on the theme of Renal Transplantation and Organ Donation was also performed by the College of Nursing, AIIMS Rishikesh, in collaboration with the MOHAN Foundation. The nukkad natak effectively conveyed important messages about the need for organ donation and the process of renal transplantation.

Additionally, Dr. Sharon Kandari, HOD, Department of Nephrology, delivered an awareness talk on renal transplantation to OPD & IPD patients, their attendants, hospital staff, volunteers & participants. This informative session provided valuable insights into renal transplantation benefits and procedures.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Vikas Kumar Panwar, Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the organizing committee, College of Nursing, MOHAN Foundation, and attendees. A group photo session with all the participants of the Nukkad Natak marked the conclusion of this significant event, which served as a vital step toward raising awareness and promoting organ donation and renal transplantation in the community.

At the end of the program, 18 nursing students and 2 patient attendants registered for organ donation on the NOTTO Website.

In summary, the “Renal Transplantation & Organ Donation” program at AIIMS Rishikesh was a resounding success.

On February 10, 2024, Prof. Meenu Singh, Director, AIIMS Rishikesh, provided her soundbite to Radio Rishikesh, encapsulating the essence of the entire program. She emphasized how end-stage organ failure diseases can be overcome through organ donation and highlighted AIIMS Rishikesh's campaign in collaboration with the MOHAN Foundation to spread awareness about this noble cause.

Furthermore, she shed light on the significance of organ donation in saving the lives of patients, elaborating on how organs are utilized to save lives and underscoring the importance of this noble act in providing hope.

Close to 100 people presented in the program.