ORGAN DONATION
A GIFT OF
LIFE
INTRODUCTION
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end stage organ failure
given up hope but ….
generosity of donors and their families
life saving gift
a serious shortage of organs
pledging YOUR ORGAN
HISTORY
• Humans have long realized the possibilities that
transplantation of organs and tissue provides.
• Throughout history, people have always been
intrigued by the possibilities of transplantation of
organs and tissues
• In the 6th Century BC Indian surgeons described
how to reconstruct facial wounds by transplanting the
skin from one place on the body to the other
NEED FOR ORGAN DONATION
 Organ transplantation is the only definite cure for end-stage
organ damages of the liver, kidney, heart and lungs.
 In India, about 2.5 lakh people die each year on an average,
due to non-availability of organs. About one lakh people in
India are awaiting a liver transplant, about two lakh people
are awaiting a kidney transplant and about 50,000 people
need a heart transplant.
 However, there is a wide gap between the number of
transplants awaited, and the organs available.
WHO CAN DONATE ?
• ANY PERSON - age, race
or gender
• DONOR CARD signature
• UNDER 18 - consent of
parent/legal guardian
• BRAIN DEAD PERSON
- family members
• Medical suitability - time
of brain death
WHAT IS BRAIN DEATH ?
• Medically and legally dead
• Cessation of brain stem function
• Heart may beat for a limited time - artificial
support
• Irreversible brain damage - Severe head
injury, stroke, brain tumour or other serious
illnesses
• CERTIFIED :
– specific tests are performed 2 x 6 hrly
– 4 doctors
(Govt of India in Transplantation of Human
Organs act 1994)
WHICH ORGANS CAN BE
DONATED?
• ORGANS - Heart, Lungs
Kidneys, Liver, Pancreas
• TISSUES - Corneas, Skin,
Heart Valves, Tendons ,
Bones
• Army Hospital :
– KIDNEY
– LIVER
– CORNEA
DOES DONATION LEAVE THE
BODY DISFIGURED?
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NO!
Trained surgical team
OT under asepsis
Surgical incision - stitched & dressed
Relatives may see after operation
Does not interfere with the customary
funeral or burial arrangement
MYTH
• If I agree to donate my organs, the hospital
staff would not work as hard to save my life
Fact: When you go to the hospital for
treatment, doctors focus on saving your life.
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The medical team treating you is separate from
the transplant team.
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The team coordinating the donation is not
notified until all lifesaving efforts have failed and
death has been determined.
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The transplant team would not be notified until
your family has consented for organ donation.
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS vs.
DONATION!
•
NO RELIGION PROHIBITS ORGAN DONATION
EXCERPTS FROM SOME
RELIGIOUS TEXTS
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HINDUISM : “…….it is said that the
soul is invisible, knowing this you should
not grieve for the body.” Daan is the act
of selfless giving. -Bhagvad Gita , chapter
2:25.
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SIKHISM : “The dead sustain their bond
with the living through virtuous deeds”. Guru Nanak, Guru Granth Sahib, p 143.
• ISLAM : “Whosoever saves the life of one
person would be as if he saved the life of
all mankind”.- Holy Quran, chapter 5:32
• CHRISTIANITY : Sacrifice and helping
others are consistent themes in Christianity,
which teaches the principle of seeking for
others what you hope others would do for
you. Teaching of Jesus Christ:- “…. Freely
you have received, freely give.”- Mathew,
chapter 10:8.
• BUDDHISM : “Organ donation is an
extremely positive action…. it will not harm
in any way the ‘consciousness’ that is
leaving the body. On the contrary, this final
act of generosity accumulates good karma”.
– Sogyal Rinpoche-The Tibetan Book of
Living & Dying
LAW ABOUT ORGAN
DONATION
• Transplantation of Human Organs act 1994
Is the family asked for permission
for donation even if a signed donor
card is found?
• YES.
• IMPORTANT - SHARE your
decision with your family
members so that it is easier for
them to carry out your wishes
Armed Forces Organ Retrieval & Transplantation Authority
WHERE IN ARMED FORCES IS
ORGAN DONATION DONE ?
• In hosp recognized for organ transplantation
• CH(EC) CH(SC) CH(CC)
– KIDNEY
– CORNEA
• Army Hospital :
– KIDNEY
– LIVER
– CORNEA
Don’t take your organs to h
for God knows we need the
DON’T TAKE YOUR
ORGANS TO HEAVEN
FOR GOD KNOWS WE
NEED THEM HERE!