Top News

Importance of World Organ Donation Day

World Organ Donation Day is celebrated every year on 13 August. On this day, people across the world are made aware of the importance of organ donation. Organ donation is a medium through which a needy person can get a new life.

Status of organ donation in India

Thousands of people in India are waiting for a transplant due to critical organ failure. Organs donated after the death of a person help in saving many lives. In such a situation, it is important to know which body parts a person can donate.

organs that can be donated

kidney: A deceased donor can donate both his kidneys. A living person can also donate a kidney as per medical and legal rules.

Liver: A deceased person can donate a liver. A living person can also donate a portion of the liver, as parts of the liver regenerate over time.

Heart: The deceased's heart can be transplanted to patients suffering from serious heart disease. For this, the health condition of the donor and the suitability of the organ are important.

lungs: A deceased donor can donate both lungs, while a living donor can donate only one lung.

Pancreas: The pancreas is an important organ that can be donated. In some circumstances, living donors can also donate a portion of it.

Intestine: The small intestine is also among the organs donated for transplantation.

tissue donation

Donation of tissues other than organs:

Additionally, tissues such as cornea, skin, bones, heart valves, blood vessels, nerves and tendons can also be donated. Cornea transplants help restore vision, while skin grafts are used in the treatment of severe burns and wounds.

living organ donation

Which organs can be donated while alive?

A living person cannot donate all the organs. According to the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization, living donors can donate a kidney, a part of the liver, and part of the pancreas. In certain circumstances, donation of a portion of a lung or part of the small intestine may also be possible.

eligibility for organ donation

Every person is eligible for organ donation:

However, it is not necessary that every person can donate an organ. For organ donation, the health condition of the donor and the suitability of the organs are more important than age. Doctors examine the body at the time of death to decide which organs or tissues are suitable for transplant.