On May 24, 2024, MOHAN Foundation (MF) conducted a session on organ donation for the bus drivers and conductors at the Delhi Transport Corporation Training School, Nand Nagri, New Delhi. The session's speakers were Ms. Simran Anand and Ms. Sanya Santosh, Programme Officers, MOHAN Foundation, NCR.

 

Ms. Sanya began the session by introducing MF to the participants and then, assessing participants understanding about organ donation. She then explained basic concept of organ donation to the participants- what is organ donation, who can be a donor, living and deceased donors. Ms. Simran thereafter took over the session and elaborated following topics in details-

 

• What is brain death

• Eye donation and steps required to preserve the corneas after death.

• Overview of the Human Organ Transplantation Act of 1994

• Role of the MOHAN Foundation

• What can an individual do to contribute to this noble cause?

• Dispelling myths about organ donation

• Differences between coma and brain death

 

One participant shared how he had decided to have his driving license reflect his intention to donate organs after passing away, encouraging his fellow employees to join him in the noble cause.

 

Another participant addressed his misunderstanding over the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically with the rise in incidents of organ extraction from deceased individuals.

 

Another participant voiced his fear that, if he pledges to be an organ donor, his organs might be auctioned after his death.

 

Over all, the session was very interactive, where participants enthusiastically contributed to the discussion and asked many queries, to name a few:

 

• If an individual dies at home from brain haemorrhage, which all organs and tissues of the deceased person can be donated?

• What is the time frame to donate organs after the death?

• Will the donor be able to live a healthy life if he gives a portion of his liver?

• Are the donor family members informed of the recipient's details?

 

Close to 60 participants attended the session