Patna: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna on Tuesday organised an Organ Donation Awareness Talk and interactive Quiz Competition as part of the nationwide “Angdaan Mahadaan – Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyan” launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The programme brought together patients visiting the outpatient department (OPD), their attendants and medical experts to raise awareness about organ donation and the role of voluntary pledging in meeting the demand for transplantable organs.
Experts Explain Organ Donation Process
The programme was inaugurated by Prof (Brig) Dr Raju Agarwal, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Patna, in the presence of Dr Prashant Kumar Singh, Medical Superintendent; Dr Amresh Krishna, Professor and Head, Department of Nephrology; Dr Utpal Anand, Professor and Head, Department of Surgical Gastroenterology; and Dr Vipin Chandra, Associate Professor, Department of Urology.
The event was organised by the departments of Urology, Nephrology and Surgical Gastroenterology.
During the awareness session, experts explained brain stem death, living and deceased organ donation, and the scientific process involved in organ retrieval and transplantation.
The session also addressed common myths and misconceptions that can discourage people from pledging their organs.
Focus On Shortage Of Donor Organs
The speakers highlighted the gap between the need for organ transplants and the availability of donor organs in India.
They said thousands of patients with end-stage organ failure await life-saving transplants each year, while the number of available donor organs remains significantly below the requirement.
The experts stressed that greater public awareness and voluntary pledging can help address the shortage and improve access to transplantation.
Participants were encouraged to pledge their organs and spread awareness about organ donation among their families, friends and communities.
Addressing the gathering, Prof (Brig) Dr Raju Agarwal said, “Organ donation is the greatest gift of humanity. By pledging to donate our organs, we can give a second chance at life to many and inspire a culture of compassion and hope.”
Quiz Competition Held For Patients And Attendants
Following the awareness session, AIIMS Patna organised an interactive quiz on organ donation.
Patients and their attendants participated in the competition, which was aimed at reinforcing information shared during the awareness programme in an accessible format.
Week-Long Awareness Campaign
AIIMS Patna is conducting a series of programmes from July 27 to August 3 under the “Angdaan Mahadaan – Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyan”.
According to the institute, the week-long campaign includes poster competitions, awareness talks, community outreach programmes, seminars and the main observance of the 16th Indian Organ Donation Day.
The initiatives are aimed at increasing public awareness, addressing misconceptions about organ donation and encouraging citizens to voluntarily pledge their organs.
AIIMS Patna said the campaign is part of its continued efforts to promote voluntary organ donation and support the national mission of saving lives through organ transplantation.
