Experts stress importance of deceased organ donation

SHILLONG, June 19: Experts on Wednesday accentuated the importance of deceased organ donations, while flagging the urgent need for infrastructure to support such programmes.
The Health department, in collaboration with the Zublee Foundation, organised a sensitisation programme titled ‘Deceased Organ Donation and the Way Forward’ at MIIT, Brookdene, Dhanketi, Shillong.
The programme was attended by Commissioner and Secretary, Health and Family Welfare department, Dr Joram Beda, as the chief guest.
In his address, Dr. Beda highlighted the life-saving impact of organ transplants for patients in critical need and expressed hope that the programme would enlighten the concerned departments about this important issue.
On the other hand, Chief Transplant Urologist at KIMS Hyderabad, Padma Shri Dr. Sarbeshwar Sahariah, provided an overview of deceased organ donation and its importance, citing the acute shortage of organs available for transplantation in India.
He emphasised the critical role of awareness campaigns in promoting organ donation and the need for initiating and supporting organ donation efforts in the region.
Meanwhile, CEO of Zublee Foundation, Priyanka Borah, addressed the lack of public awareness and understanding regarding deceased organ donation.
She noted the limited data on Meghalaya residents undergoing transplants in other parts of the country and underscored the urgent need for infrastructure to support organ donation programmes.
Borah also outlined a comprehensive roadmap for launching the Deceased Organ Donation Programme in Meghalaya.
The proposed steps include awareness and education campaigns, policy formulation, development of specific guidelines for organ donation, infrastructure development for transplant centers, training and capacity building, establishing a donor registry, and integrating hospitals into the donation process.