According to World Health Organization (WHO), only 0.01% of the population of India donates organs after death. In India, everyday, approx 22,500 people die, yet only 2 people of these would have pledged their organs before death. With an ever-increasing spectrum of diseases, organ failures and accidents, the need for voluntary organ donation is high. It is estimated that each year, approximately 2,50,000 people need a kidney, 80,000 require a liver transplant, 50,000 need a heart transplant, and a startling 1,00,000 need a cornea transplant!
Shrimad Rajchandra Organ Donation Programme is a public awareness campaign to encourage and promote deceased organ donation. Through this global initiative, we aim to bring about a positive change to the current transplant scenario by inspiring people to pledge for organ donation and bridge the huge gap between need and availability!
In the first year of its launch alone, SRLC volunteers spread awareness of this programme to over 100 corporates, educational institutions and other organisations. Several cities in India and abroad have participated in this initiative, making a global impact for the noble cause. People from over 150 cities, across 10 countries worldwide, have pledged their organs as a part of this initiative. By being an Organ Donor, you can save the lives of up to 8 individuals and save or improve the lives of up to 50 people by donating tissues and eyes.
Pledge to be an Organ Donor today!
3 simple steps to become an Organ Donor:
1. Pledge to Donate
Sign up to pledge your organs by filling up the Organ Donation Pledge Form. You can fill this form online by clicking on the button below.
2. Inform your Family
It is very important that you help your near and dear ones to understand, remember and respect your decision for organ donation after your death. Consent of a near relative or a person in lawful possession of the dead body is required.
3. Carry your Donor Card
On submitting the completed form, we will send you an Organ Donor pledge card. Please keep the card with you at all times.
Spread the Pledge and Save More Lives
Invite your friends and family members to pledge their organs and become proud donors as well. Join us in this noble movement of saving lives. Register today to donate your organs. Signing up is free but your contribution is invaluable!
FAQs
What is Organ Donation?
Deceased Organ Donation is a life transforming gift of an organ to a person who has an end stage organ disease and needs a transplant for survival. Sometimes, people suffer from irreversible organ failure and the only way they can recover or lead a normal life is to receive an organ transplant.
What is brain death? Which organs can be donated in this case?
Any individual with an irreparably damaged brain stem, which is an important part of the central nervous system, is declared brain dead. Brain dead individuals cannot regain their consciousness and are not able to breathe on their own, as the brain stem is the centre for both. The heart can continue to function on a ventilator and other support for a maximum of 36 to 72 hours. As the blood supply to organs can be maintained for a few hours, it is during this period that all suitable organs such as kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, etc. can be retrieved after obtaining consent from the close relatives.
Which organs can be donated in case of natural or cardiac death?
It is possible to donate the eyes and skin. In such cases, the family should contact the nearest eye and skin bank so that the necessary procedures for eye and skin donation can be performed within 6 hours.
Are there restrictions on donation, based on my age?
In the case of cornea and some other tissue, age does not matter. For other organs, it is the person’s physical condition, not age, which is the deciding factor.
Are there restrictions on donation, based on health issues?
Very few medical conditions automatically disqualify you from donating organs. The decision to use an organ is based on strict medical criteria. It may turn out that certain organs are not suitable for transplantation, but other organs and tissues may be fine. Don't disqualify yourself prematurely. Only medical professionals at the time of your death can determine whether your organs are suitable for transplantation.
Will organ donation leave my body disfigured?
The procedure of organ removal doesn’t disfigure the body. Organs are always removed with the greatest care and respect for the person. This takes place in a normal operation theatre under sterile conditions by a team of specialised doctors. Afterwards, the surgical incision is carefully closed and covered by a dressing in the normal way.
Will my family be charged for organ donation?
Costs associated with recovering and processing organs and tissues for transplant are never passed on to the donor family.
Can I pledge if I am below 18 years of age?
No, but you can express to your parents your wish to donate, and your parents can give their consent knowing that this is what you wanted.
Can people buy and sell organs?
The 'Transplant of Human Organs Act, 1994' prohibits any commercial dealing in organs and makes it a punishable offence.