News reporter
Experts call for awareness on cadaveric organ transplantation
February 18 / 2014
Kolkata, Feb 18 : Observing that the lack of positive attitude towards cadaveric organ transplantation was a "social and philosophical issue", experts here Tuesday called for spreading awareness on the aspect and said brain death declaration should be made mandatory.
"Two decades have passed since the Cadaveric Organ Transplantation Act came into force. But unfortunately in eastern India, only one such transplantation has taken place even though organ harvesting from brain dead patients is fairly common in south and west India," said critical care expert Saurabh Kole.
Kole played a pioneer role in performing the region's first such transplantation in 2012 by persuading the family of brain-dead Bimal Karmakar to donate his kidneys which eventually saved two lives. Kole and others were speaking at a seminar on importance of cadaveric organ transplantation at the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture.
"We need to have many more Karmakars and for that there is a need to spread awareness. The aversion to this stems from religious and philosophical beliefs and I feel religious and cultural organisation can play an important role in creating a positive attitude," said Kole, also the convener of Bimal Karmakar Foundation - set up to create awareness of organ donation.
"Just a little change in the beliefs can save many a life. Moreover, cadaveric organ translation will also help in preventing organ trade. At present nearly one-fifth of all kidney transplants world over comes from the black market."
The experts were unanimous that religious, cultural and philanthropic organizations must endeavor to spread awareness.