Mysuru: Mysuru is struggling with acute shortage of organs for transplantation. It is estimated that more than a million people suffer with end-stage organ failure but only 3,500 transplants are performed annually. At least 15 patients die every day waiting for organs and every 10 minutes a new name is added to this waiting list. Awareness on organ donation is the only way out to tackle this shortage. 

For many of the end-stage organ diseases, organ transplantation is the most preferred treatment. The need for organ transplantation is higher than availability. Hence, Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru, in association with Rotary Mysore came forward to create awareness regarding organ donation under the banner ‘Punarjanma’ [Punarjanma means rebirth]. 

On the Occasion of World Organ Donation Day on Aug. 13, an organ donation campaign was initiated at Rotary High School on KRS Road. This awareness drive was supported by Annapoorna Eye Hospital, Vaishnavi Sweets, Rotary Midtown, Rotary Panchaseel, Lions Club, Inner Wheel, Round Table and Young Indians (Yi).

“Right now, more than 1,00,000 people in India need organ transplant and every year over 1,000 people die while waiting for an organ donor. The need for donors has never been greater. Though organ transplantation is one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medical science, it depends entirely on the generosity of donors and their families who are willing to make this life-saving gift to others,” said Rtn. Chetan Vishwanath, President, Rotary Mysore. 

Past patients of Apollo BGS Hospitals including organ recipients shared their stories on the occasion. “Apollo BGS Hospitals is the licensed liver and kidney transplant unit in Mysuru. We have successfully conducted many kidney and liver transplants and people travel from all over Karnataka and places outside to get these transplants done here. Through organ donation, one healthy donor can give a lease of life to at least eight people. Through Punarjanma, we are creating awareness on organ donation,” said N.G. Bharateesha Reddy, Vice-President and Unit Head, Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru.