Organ Donation Day, 2016: Some important facts about organ donation

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Organ donation is a medical procedure that can literally give someone a second chance at life.

According to health experts, only 0.08 per cent of Indians donate their organs to the needy as compared to 70-80 per cent of Spaniards and Belgians.

Every year 200,000 people in India need a new kidney and 100,000 need a new liver, but only two to three per cent of the demand for new organs is met.The low proportion of organ donors in Indian population can largely be attributed to ignorance, superstition and an absence of conducive regulatory framework.

So, this Organ Donation Day pledge to spread the knowledge and benefits of donating organs. Public education, lectures and proper media coverage can also do a lot in eliminating the negative attitude of the people towards organ donation.

Here are some general facts that you should about organ donation:

What is organ donation?

Organ donation, as the name suggests, is the process of transplanting healthy organs and tissues from one person to another. If health experts are to be believed organs from one donor can save as many as 50 people.

How to make organ donation?

Every state has its organ donation registry and all required information and details are available on internet. All you need to do is register yourself with your respective state registry.

What are the types of organ donation?

Living donation: It's an opportunity to save a life while you are still living. It is a direct donation method and was developed as a result of critical shortage of deceased donors.

Deceased donation: This type of donation takes place only at the time of donors death. The process of transplant starts after donor has been declared brain dead and all efforts to save his life have been exhausted.

Vascularized Composite Allografts (VCA): All kinds of faceand hands transplants are known as VCA. It involves the transplantation of multiple structures that may include skin, bone, muscles, blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. This method requires a specific authorization.

What organs can be donated?

Almost every major organs of a huma body can be donated like heart, kidney, liver, lungs, pancrease, blood, blood vessels etc.

Is there any age limit for organ donation?

There is no strict limit for organ donation. Anyone, as young as newborn or as old 75, can come forward for it. The only thing that is neccessary for donation is doctor's approval of donors organs and tissues. Doctors must check that organs should be in good health and perfectly match with recipents.

(With IANS inputs)