Chennai: For the fourth consecutive year, Tamilnadu tops the list in organ donation in India. Reports suggest the Transplant Authority of Tamilnadu (Transtan) has performed 459 heart, 339 lung, 1,103 liver and 2,147 kidney transplant surgeries so far since 2008.
Tamilnadu Health Minister Dr C Vijayabaskar and senior officials received the award at a function held in New Delhi today.
The cadaver transplant programme was launched in 2008 following which in 2010, Tamilnadu was commended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the transplant model. Transtan was given autonomy to function in 2014 and to make the registration process easier an application and website was launched in 2017.
The body is currently headed by Dr R Kanthimathy, Member Secretary, Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu (TRANSTAN).
In the last one-and-a-half years, there has been a significant rise in the number of families pledging to donate organs as it gives new lease of life. Multiple organ donations too were on the rise.
Healthy patients, declared brain dead, often donate their heart and kidney, Kanthimathy had said during World Organ Donation Day at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai recently.
Speaking about a systematic approach towards achieving greater numbers, Kanthimathy said the process was transparent with clear indication of a waiting list and list of donors.
Speaking about the achievement, Mohan Foundation founder-trustee, Dr Sunil Shroff said, “Awareness level is catching up in the State as we increasingly see people willing to pledge for organ donations. Recently, we had organised a visual arts contest ‘LIFE 2.0’ at the Vadapalani metro station on the theme organ donation for students which was well-received.”
| IN NUMBERS |
| As per 2018 data, here are the number of surgeries taken place so far * 4,805 kidney transplants (deceased- 892 and living 3913) * 180 heart transplants and * 1,130 (deceased 459, living -671) liver transplants * 145 lung transplants * 13 pancreas transplants * Five hand transplants * One small bowl transplant so far |
| WHAT MINISTER SAYS |
| Health Minister C Vijayabasker, in the 9th organ donation programme held in New Delhi today said, “So far, 6,886 organs have been harvested from 1,198 donors which is well ahead of all other States and the organ transplantation for poor are taking place for free of cost in both private and government hospital.” He also added, “Under CMCHIS the State government sanctions up to Rs 35 lakh for transplantation and this is highest ever in India.” |