Mangalore : KMC Hospital, Dr. B R Ambedkar Circle, Mangalore, observed World Organ Donation Day 2024 today, joining a global effort to highlight the importance of organ donation. Celebrated annually on August 13, this day serves as a vital platform to promote awareness about the life-saving potential of organ donation and to encourage more individuals to become organ donors.
The hospital’s organ transplant team, a multidisciplinary group of highly skilled professionals, is at the forefront of this mission. The Renal Sciences team, specializing in kidney transplants, includes Senior Urologists Dr. Sanman Gowda, Dr. Prajwal Ravinder, and Dr. B M Zeeshan Hameed, along with Senior Nephrologists Dr. Sushanth Kumar B, Dr. Ashok Bhat, and Dr. Mayoor V Prabhu. The Gastro Sciences team, specializing in liver transplants, comprises Medical Gastroenterologists Dr. B V Tantry, Dr. Sandeep Gopal, Dr. Suresh Shenoy, and Dr. Anurag Shetty, alongside Surgical Gastroenterologists Dr. Ranjit Rao and Dr. Vidya Bhat. The team’s efforts are supported by a dedicated group of Anaesthetists, Critical Care specialists, Emergency Medicine experts, and Transplant Coordinators.
Dr. Sushanth Kumar B, Consultant Nephrologist, emphasized the global significance of this day, stating, “One of the primary objectives of World Organ Donation Day is to spread awareness on a global scale. We aim to educate communities about the urgent need for organ donors and to dispel myths surrounding the donation process. The Theme for this year is ‘Celebrating Donor Heroes’ and we have recognised the efforts and selfless contribution of the donors towards their loved ones who gave them a gift of life.”
Echoing these sentiments, Dr. B V Tantry, Consultant Gastroenterologist, highlighted the ongoing challenge of organ shortages in society, saying, “Organ shortages remain a critical issue worldwide. By dedicating a day to spread awareness on organ donation, we focus our efforts on stressing the need, eligibility and clearing the myths and facts related to organ donation in clinical as well as legal aspects. By doing such program we intend to encourage more individuals to register as organ donors which is essential to increase the availability of organs for transplantation.”
Dr Sanman Gowda, Consultant Urologist, “KMC Hospital being a recognised transplant centre in the region has achieved the milestone of 75 successful kidney transplants today. This has become possible because of the full-fledged transplant team consisting of senior doctors from multiple specialties and experienced staff who are trained in organ transplant.”
Dr. Prajwal P Ravinder, Consultant Urologist, added, “This day is an opportunity to honor the selflessness of organ donors and their families. Today we have honoured Three Living Donors depicting their generosity and the profound impact they have had on the lives of recipients. These living donors are testament that you can still lead a healthy and normal life even after donating an organ. These donors included a son-in-law who donated his kidney to his father-in-law, a sister-in-law who donated her kidney to her brother’s wife, and a daughter who donated her kidney to her father. All six individuals involved in these transplants remain healthy and continue to lead fulfilling lives.”
Dr Mayoor V Prabhu, Consultant Nephrology added “In addition to recognizing the donors, we also would like to place on record the contribution and 24×7 support extended by the Traffic Police and the team of Mangalore City Police for their pivotal role in cadaver organ transplants; be it helping in providing green corridor/zero traffic for transporting of harvested organs across the state as well as statutory requirements in living donor transplant.”
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Guest, Ms. Najma Farooqi – KSPS, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mangalore Traffic Division appreciated the tremendous efforts done by KMC Hospital Mangalore in spreading awareness on organ donation. She also stated that the Police Department will extend unconditional support in the process of organ donation and play their role in saving lives.