World Organ Donation Day is celebrated on August 13, every year to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. The day also debunks the myths related to the donation of organs. This day pushes people to move forward and donate their organs after death to save the lives of other people. Organ donation may save the lives of people who are suffering from chronic diseases. Many people in the world lose their lives because of the unavailability of organs, this day aims to save the lives of people by encouraging people to donate their organs.
It is because of modern science that donation of organs is possible and one person can save the life of other.
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First organ donation:
For the first time in history, successful organ donation surgery was performed by Dr Joseph Murray in the United Nations in the year 1954. Dr Joseph was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicines in 1990. She was awarded for performing a successful Kidney Transplantation operation between twin brothers - Ronald and Richard Herrick.
Organs that can be donated:
One can donate six organs, which include the Heart, Liver, Kidney, Pancreases, eyes and Lungs.
Who can volunteer for organ donation?
Anyone can volunteer for the donation of organs, irrespective of age, gender, caste and religion. The only thing that matters is that the donor should not suffer from any kind of chronic disease like HIV, cancer or any other heart or lung-related disease. One can sign up for donation after they reach the age of 18 years.
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Types of Organ Donation: Live and Cadaver
Live donation is made when the donor is alive, in this a person can donate one kidney and a part of the liver as a person can survive with one kidney and the part of the liver can regenerate itself.
Cadaver donation is done after the person is dead. Under this, the healthy organs of a dead person are transplanted into the body of the living person.
India’s Organ Donation Day:
India celebrates organ donation day on 27th November, every year. Last year, the government urged people not to take an organ to heaven. Ministry of Health tweeted, “Don’t take your organs to heaven with you. God knows we need them here.” Reportedly, India only has 3 percent of organ donors.
Those who wish to become organ donors need to register themselves on online portals like the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (ROTTO) or the Organ Retrieval Banking Organisation (ORBO).