Max no. of organ donations carried out so far this year

PUNE: Between January 1 and September 30, Pune Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre (ZTCC) has carried out the most number of organ donations from brain dead patients, as compared to any previous corresponding period. Officials attribute this to the growing awareness and the better infrastructure now available for patients in the city.

According to Arti Gokhale, ZTCC co-ordinator, this year, around 50 donations have been done in Pune zone. 

“Last year, 50 donations were completed till October-end. The response to the efforts of awareness is drastically increasing, which means that the families are more open to the concept of organ donation,” said Gokhale.

According to ZTCC Pune, 65 kidneys, 47 livers, 10 hearts, two lungs, six pancreas, 72 corneas, six skin and two hands were retrieved from donors between January 1 to September 30.

“This is the highest number of donations done in the State so far,” said Gokhale.

Out of these retrievals, 59 kidneys, 47 livers, seven hearts, five kidneys and pancreas, one kidney and liver, 72 corneas, two hands and six skin organs were transplanted. ZTCC Pune also informed that three hearts were shared with ZTCC Mumbai and one with Chennai. Also, one heart was received by Pune ZTCC from Mumbai ZTCC.

Gokhale also noted that the rise in number can be attributed to the growing awareness among families.

“We will be undertaking a training programme for the IT sector as well to create awareness,” said Gokhale.

She further added that many families think that if they donate organs of the deceased patient, body of the patient will suffer.

“However, this is not the case. We ensure that the families receive the body of the brain dead patients in a good state so that they can perform the last rites in a religious way, as many believe it is important. Hence, the families should not hesitate in donating the organs of their loved ones. Though it is difficult, it also gives a new lease of life to so many people,” said Gokhale.