THEME: “Step up to volunteer; need more organ donors to fill the lacunae”.

World organ donation day is observed every year on August 13, to encourage and educate people on the importance of donating organs after death to save more lives. On this day, we will tell you which all organs can or cannot be donated and how it can save lives. It is also observed in order to honor those who have stepped forward in order to donate their organs to save another person’s life. Organ donation can save or improve lives of people in need.

Organ donation means when a person is allowed to surgically remove their organ and transplant it to another person. This is done with the content of the donor when they are alive or that of their kin when they are no more. Sometimes, an illness related to organ failure is so serious that organ transplantation becomes the only hope for them to lead a healthy life. Some people wish to become donors, but they have a few doubts like what organs can they donate.

TYPES OF ORGAN DONATION

There are two forms of organ donation.

Living donation: the donor is alive.

Cadaver donation: the donor donates after death.

ORGANS THAT CAN BE DONATED

Organs that can be donated by living donors.

• One kidney
• One lung
• A part of the liver
• A part of the pancreas
• A part of the intestine

Organs that can be donated when the donor is deceased.

• Heart, which pumps blood to sustain life.
• Lungs, which facilitate breathing.
• Liver, which processes toxins.
• Kidneys, which filter waste.
• Pancreas, which regulates blood sugar.

Donating these organs after death can provide a second chance at life for people with organ failure, there are some body parts that are challenging to donate.

REASONS ONE CAN NOT DONATE

• Having certain infections
• Active cancer
• Severe heart disease
• Conditions affecting the organs to be donated.

There isn’t a strict age limit for organ donors. Organs are evaluated for suitability based on the donor’s medical history and the organ’s condition. However, older donors might have organs with reduced functionality, making them less suitable for organ transplantation, says the expert.

FACTS ABOUT ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION

• Organ donation is a noble act.
• People pledge organ donation. We cannot avoid death but we can save another person’s life by pledging his/her organs for organ donation.
• In the case of natural death tissues of cornea, heart valves, bone and skin can be donated whereas other vital organs like heart, liver, intestines, kidneys, lungs, and pancreas can only be donated in the case of brain death.
• It is a legal process as the donor needs to sign a consent form during his/her lifetime for donating organs, otherwise family members can give consent for donation at the time of death.
• Organs can be donated by people from all age groups. If someone younger than 18 wants to donate an organ, they must have consent signed by their parents or guardians.
• Organ transplantation can help in saving and transforming the lives of people who have been fighting to survive.

THINGS TO DO BEFORE BECOMING AN ORGAN DONOR

• Before becoming a donor, consider informing your family about your decision and documenting it legally.
• Understanding the donation process, potential risks and recovery time are crucial, especially if you want to donate when you are alive.
• Keep your medical records updated and inform your doctors about your donor status.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle to ensure the viability of your organs for donation.

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