Moodbidri: Over 100 pledge to donate their organs

Mangaluru, Oct 17: More than 100 people pledged to donate organs at an event held at Pandit Health Resort and Spa in Moodbidri in association with KMC Hospitals Mangalore, Rotary Club Moodbidri and ZCCK Bengaluru.

Seer Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Pandithacharyavarya Swami of Jain Mutt, Moodabdiri, Rev Fr Basil Vaz, Parish priest of Holy Rosary Church, BJP leader Jagadish Adhikari, Sridevi Goel IPS, former director general Police, KMC medical superintendent Anand Venugopal, former minister Amarnath Shetty and other dignitaries were guests at the event.

In her welcome speech, Ruby Agarwal, chairperson of Pandit Resort, explained about the advantages and procedures of organ donation.

She said in India, organ donations take place at a minimal 0.08%, while in some other countries, it is 10% to 40%.

"Everyone except cancer and HIV patients can be organ donors, irrespective of age, caste, religion, community or any other medical conditions," she added.

Jain Mutt seer handed over certificates of appreciation to the donors and expressed his happiness over their gesture.

Fr Basil Vaz said that he himself has pledged to donate eyes, besides donating blood over 50 times. KMC Mangaluru medical superintendent Anand Venugopal explained the need to create more awareness about organ donations in India. KMC Mangaluru Urology department head Laxman Prabhu cleared myths and doubts about the organ donations.

"If a tree falls, it can be used for various purposes. But human body disintegrates after death, and so, it is always better to donate organs to save a life," he said.

Meanwhile, Alvas Hospital medical superintendent Harish Nayak emphasized the need to create an organ donation fund for the benefit of poor and needy patients.