Devendra Fadnavis govt starts organ donation drive with a walkathon

Addressing a crowd at Marine Drive, Fadnavis said, “Organ donation gives us the opportunity to serve the society even after death as we can give life to many. Let us pledge our support and work together.” Accompanied by his wife Amruta Fadnavis, the chief minister signed a form pledging organ donation.

The decision to create awareness on this issue came after the kidney racket busted at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital in July. “The organ donation drive is to bring greater public participation through volunteer service. The incidents of kidney racket where innocent patients were duped by handful vested interests can be majorly checked if we have people coming forward in organ donation,” said the CM.

In order to boost the cause and make the process smoother for families agreeing to donate organs of their deceased family members, an awareness session was also held for police officers to understand cadaver donation and issue a no-objection certificate for post-mortem and organ retreival without delay.

Maharashtra ranks third after Tamil Nadu and Kerela in organ transplants.

“On Wednesday, we will conduct poster making and rangoli competition at J J Hospital on the theme of organ donation. The idea is to also educate people how an organ is donated and transplanted,” said Dr T P Lahane, dean at J J Hospital.

On Thursday, 19 families of deceased patients whose organs were donated will be felicitated. Water Resource and Medical Education Minister Girish Mahajan, Health Minister Deepak Sawant and several doctors from public and private hospital in Mumbai were also part of the walkathon.