Organ Donation is a process of taking healthy organs and tissues from one person by the procedure of transplantation to restore the normal functioning of the body. Organ Transplantation is a surgical procedure where the organ/organs or tissue/tissues are transplanted from a donor (live/brain dead) to the recipient (suffering from organ failure). In India, each year about thousands of people die waiting for a suitable donor for transplant. By donating organs we are not just donating organ also we are giving a second chance at life to those who are leading a difficult life because of organ failure. This enables them to lead a normal life with full zeal and no difficulty. If the person has already consented to donate any organ, then this will be first confirmed from state donor registry. If the person is not found in the records then his/her legally authorized representative (spouse, Guardian or close friend) is asked to authorize the donation. For being a donor it is ensured that the blood and oxygen supply is intact till the time of recovery. WHO CAN BE A DONOR? It’s a boon for the mankind that anybody can be a donor, as there is no age limit for being a donor. The data says that anyone can be a donor ranging from a new born till senior citizens, that too without any complications. Medical suitability for donation is determined at the time of death
Yes, there are some considering factors which includes the nature of death of the donor and the condition of the organs/tissues. For a donor younger than 18 years, there is a guardian/parent consent form to be signed before donation. Adult donors just have to make a wish for donating their organs to terminally ill patients after filling the donor card. Make sure that you inform your family about your wish as they might be asked to fill the consent form as the part of the procedure. If a person previously has any medical condition they can also he/she can donate. Transplant professionals will evaluate the condition of the organs at the time of death and determine if the organs are suitable for donation. One should consider himself as a potential organ and tissue donor, and should indicate their intent to donate on their driver's license, donor card, or state donor registry, and discuss your decision with family members. WHAT ORGANS CAN BE DONATED? The organs that can be transplanted are:
a. Eyes
c. Kidneys
d. Liver
e. Lungs
f. Pancreas
g. Intestine
The tissues that can be transplanted are:
a. Heart valves
b. Bone
c. Veins
d. Cornea
e. Middle ear
f. Skin g. Cartilage
h. Tendons
i. Ligaments
