Anyone who donates his/her organ can save eight person’s life and, with tissue donation can improve up to 50 people’s life. Organ Donation is one of the best things you can do in the name of humanity. There is no use of the organs once a person passes away, but those organs can bless a new life to someone else. There are many myths and superstitions related to organ donation and therefore, every year on 13th August, World Organ Donation Day is celebrated to debunk those myths and sensitize the public regarding organ donation and encourage them for the same. According to a survey, almost 5,00,000 people die every year due to the non-availability of organs.
Therefore, here are some facts as stated by the National Health Portal (NHP) of India, that you must know regarding organ donation.
- Anybody can be an organ donor irrespective of their age, caste, religion, community, etc
- There is no defined age for donating organs. The decision to donate organs is based on strict medical criteria, not age.
- Anyone younger than age 18 needs to have the agreement of a parent or guardian to be a donor.
- Having a serious condition like actively spreading cancer, HIV, diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease can prevent you from donating as a living donor.
Organs that can be donated:
In case of natural death:
- Tissues such as the cornea
- Heart valves
- Skin
- Bone
In the case of Brain death:
- Heart
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Intestines
- Lungs
- Pancreas
Hands and face have also been recently added to the donation list after a successful transplant. In most cases, the donation is done from a deceased person, but sometimes, living organ donation is also done.
In the living donation process, one can donate:
- One kidney
- One lung
- A part of the liver
- A part of the pancreas
- A part of the intestine
Some common Myths, Debunked!
- One cannot be a donor if they have a medical condition
Anyone can register to be a donor regardless of age and medical condition. It is at the time of death that the medical team will decide if the donation process can be carried out. However, you may still be able to donate organs or tissues. - Donor’s family is charged for organ donation
No. The donor’s family is never charged for the organ donation process. - I am too young to donate organs
A person can be a donor regardless of their age. However, if the person is under the age of 18 years, then the consent of the parent or legal guardian is essential. - Doctors will give up easily on saving my life
It is every doctor’s priority to save a person’s life at any cost. The donation will only happen if a person is brain dead. Also, the medical team and the transplant team are two different entities - I am too old/weak/not in good health, no one would want my organs
As stated before, a person can donate regardless of their age. It is later that the decision is taken by the experts if your organs are suitable for transplantation or not. Do not disqualify yourself from it prematurely.
Therefore, donating your organs and gifting someone a new life is one of the best deeds you can ever do. The process is carried out by the experts, without distorting the body. Do not let people scare you from doing something noble.
