The Indian Organ Donation day organised by the MOHAN Foundation in association with the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima and the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) was held at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) on August 3. The event aims to create awareness on organ donation under the theme “Stories of Hope, Gifts of Life: Promoting Organ Donation in Nagaland.”
Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare, Dr Mereninla Senlem in her address said that this occasions remind us of the profound impact of organ donation and the hope it brings to people, the individuals and families, providing a second chance of life. The theme ‘Stories of Hope, Gifts of Life’, promoting organ donation in Nagaland, reminds us that behind every transplant is a powerful story of courage, compassion and human generosity. Organ donation is one of the noblest acts of humanity, where one person’s decision has the potential to transform and save multiple lives.
She said, “In India we have a huge burden of kidney diseases and for this thousands of patients continue to wait for their life-saving organ transplant.”
According to statistics, India alone has a waiting list period of 90,000. Much progress has been done, especially in the surgical parts, but still a lot of awareness and participation from all sections of society on this organ donation is needed.
“In our state,” she mentioned, “We are at a very important stage towards strengthening our organ donation and transplant services.”
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While transplant services are not yet available, significant efforts are underway to build the necessary systems like the infrastructure and the capacity for the future, she added
She also informed that the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima has already initiated the process for the required registration and licensing to start as an organ transplant services. This is an important milestone as it reflects the commitment of the government for improving access to advanced healthcare for our citizens.
She also acknowledged the MOHAN Foundation for partnering with the department and the dedication of the SOTTO Nagaland, the Naga Hospital Authority and the healthcare professionals and all stakeholders who continue to work towards the shared vision.
She also shared that the success of organ donation depends not only on the healthcare institutions and the government agencies, but also the participation of every citizen. Awareness must begin within the family, within the community, within the educational institution and must encourage open discourse and conversation about organ donation. She also encouraged every citizen to learn more about organ donation and also to take the pledge to spread the message of organ donation across Nagaland.
The programme also included testimonies from organ donors and transplant recipients and a testimonial video screening.
