Organ donation is considered the greatest form of donation. Even after a person's life ends, a part of their body can give a new life to another individual; in other words, through organ donation, a person can remain alive in the world even after they are gone.

Statistics indicate a massive need for organ transplants in India. Every year, approximately 500,000 people in the country lose their lives due to the unavailability of organs. At any given time, around 300,000 patients are on waiting lists, and about 20 people die daily because they do not receive organs in time. Patients requiring organs such as the liver and heart constitute the largest group among them.

Health experts note that while awareness regarding organ donation has grown, many questions still linger in people's minds, acting as barriers to this noble act. Can the elderly or those suffering from illnesses donate organs? Can diabetic patients also be donors? These are common questions among the public. Let us try to find the answers.

Organ donation can save many lives

World Organ Donation Day is observed annually on August 13th to encourage post-mortem organ donation, dispel prevailing myths, and raise awareness about the importance of saving the lives of those in need.

According to the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), organ and tissue donation can help save lives or improve the quality of life for others. A single deceased donor can provide multiple organs and tissues to patients in need.

After death, organs such as the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, and pancreas, as well as certain tissues, can be donated. However, not all organs from every individual are necessarily suitable for donation. At the time of death, a team of experts decides which organs can be donated based on medical evaluations.

Who can donate organs?

According to medical reports, there is no age limit for organ donation. The most crucial factor is the medical suitability of the organs and tissues at the time of death. Advanced age does not automatically disqualify a person from donating organs.

A person with a medical condition can still be an organ donor. At the time of death, doctors evaluate factors such as medical history, the presence of infections, the condition of the organs, and other clinical parameters.
However, organ donation is not possible following death caused by cancer, active tuberculosis, certain severe infections, or sepsis.

Can patients with diabetes donate organs?

Medical reports indicate that individuals with diabetes can indeed donate organs. In such cases, doctors assess the individual's diabetic status and the impact of the condition on their organs at the time of death. Organs found to be in good condition can then be donated.

Uncontrolled diabetes over a long period can affect organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart; this is why people often have questions regarding this.
Experts state that it is incorrect to rule out organ donation solely based on the presence of diabetes.

What are the essential requirements for organ donation?

Experts advise that if you wish to donate organs, you should first inform your family about your decision.

Do not decide on your own that you are ineligible for organ donation based on an existing medical condition.
In cases involving diabetes, high blood pressure, or advanced age, the final decision rests on a medical assessment conducted by experts at the time of death. Furthermore, organ donation must take place only through authorized medical institutions and in accordance with established legal procedures.
It is important to note that the buying and selling of human organs is a criminal offense in India.

PC Social Media