22 May 2010
Bangalore, India
Ace cricketer Anil Kumble interacts with organ donors at the symposium on Friday If all brain–dead patients in Karnataka donate their vital organs, then within one year, at least 2,000 needy patients can get a new lease of life. But this has not been the case, thanks to lack of awareness, stringent rules on organ donation and transplant.
In 2009, only 14 brain–dead patients were found from whom 28 kidneys, 7 livers and 14 pairs of eyes were procured and transplanted to the needy. In 2010, the Zonal Coordination Committee of Karnataka for Transplantation (ZCCK) has so far found 5 cadavers for multi–organ donations. A symposium–‘Disparity in Organ Donation’–at Columbia Asia Referral Hospital on Friday threw light on issues related to organ donation.
“Spain tops the donation list, but India is at the bottom. There is a need to increase awareness,” stressed ace cricketer Anil Kumble, who is also brand ambassador for ZCCK. Drawing parallels between cricket and life, Kumble said just as second innings is important in Tests, organ donation is significant in life. The second innings of one person can ensure first innings of somebody else in need of an organ, Kumble said.
“It is important to educate family members of donors. In the past, there have been instances where family members of the dead donor have refused to donate organs, though the person him/herself signed for the same,” Kumble pointed out.
Human Rights Commission Chairman S R Nayak said: “Despite stringent laws, doctors and other groups may indulge in unethical practices. Unless a person has written in his/her will not to donate his/her body parts, the organs can be donated by family members in case of brain–dead declaration.”
Reduce Drug Prices
The state health and family welfare department will send a proposal to reduce the price of ‘immuno suppressants’, a vital drug for those who undergo organ transplant. Neena Kundra, who donated one of her kidneys to her husband, said the medicine is expensive. “My husband who underwent renal transplant was prescribed to take 8 immuno suppressants a day. It costs us about Rs 20,000 every month. The government must take steps to reduce the price of such essential tablets,” she said.
“A proposal will be sent to the Centre to include immuno suppressants under the essential drugs category,’’ said Dr H C Ramesh, deputy director of state health and family welfare department.
How To Donate
Those interested can pledge to donate their bodies through ZCCK,
A–1, I floor, neuro–science faculty block,
Nimhans, Hosur Road, Bangalore.
Contact No : +91 80 26995716, +91 98450–06768
Website: www.zcck.in
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