PUNE : PARVEZ SHAIKH More awareness needed on organ donation
Pimpri – On October 13, 2019, a 60-year-old woman was brought in brain dead at Dr. D Y Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Center. The patient had met with an accident and had suffered brain injury. In accordance with the provisions of the Human Transplant Act, the patient’s family was counseled by the coordinator of the Department of Organ Transplants. They were enlightened about the importance of organ donation, social commitment and how it can save many lives. After much guidance, their doubts were resolved. The patient’s family doctor, Dr. Deepak Gajare assisted in the decision-making process.

The patient’s liver, two kidneys and retina were donated to Dr. D Y Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre. This was done in coordination with the Regional Transplant Coordination Center, Pune. They had a handy waiting list of patients where organs like liver and kidneys are in much demand. Immediately after, the liver was successfully transplanted to a 61-year-old male patient suffering from a liver disorder and the kidneys were donated to a 47 –year-old male patient and a 33-year-old female patient. The quick decision of the patient’s relatives, doctors and staff of the hospital gave these patients a new lease of life.
Mrs. Bhagashishitai Patil, Vice President, of Dr. D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, thanked doctors and the staff. She said, “We can understand and gauge the suffering of a patient’s relatives. It is emotionally and sentimentally very difficult to part with your loved ones, let alone their organs. But, this small step can save many lives. In fact, a single organ donor (a brain dead patient) could save eight lives. Organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, pancreas and eyes can be donated.” She added that across of the country, several patients were dying every day while waiting for a matching organ. It is high time, that society should be sensitized about the importance of organ donation.” She further elaborated that this year; family members of eight patient’s decision to donate organs have saved the lives of 8 patients. Till now, 9 livers, 67 kidneys and 16 corneas have been transplanted at Dr. D Y Patil Hospital. In total, 92 transplantations have been done.

The increasing awareness among citizens about organ transplants is an encouraging factor. But there is still a huge demand in the number of patients and who need organs. That is why more citizens should come forward and pledge to donate their organs. Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor of Dr. D Y Patil Vidyapeeth thanked the doctors, the team and staff for their efforts.