PUNE: Family members of deceased organ donors were felicitated recently by Maharashtra’s first Joint Commission International (JCI), USA and NABH Accredited Hospital, along with Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, during an organ donation awareness programme.

The felicitation was to acknowledge those who bravely donated organs to save lives of the needy with end-stage kidney, liver and heart disease. The families of deceased donors were lauded for their selflessness in turning their moments of personal tragedy into an occasion for saving lives.

Dr Sanjay Deshmukh, Additional Director, Medical, Deputy Directors Health Services (DDHS) office, Pune Division and Dr RK Shelke, Civil Surgeon, Aundh Civil Hospital, were present for the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Deshmukh said, “Transplantation seems to be the only definitive treatment for certain lifestyle diseases and the very noble act of organ donation is a commendable effort.”

Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen Dr. Akhil Nagpal, Chief of Clinical Services at Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, pointed out the severe deficiency in the number of organs donated and the ever-expanding waiting list. He lauded the decision taken by these brave individuals and implored that many more should join this social movement. The felicitation was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Myths and facts of organ donation’. The panelists were experts in the field of kidney and liver transplant, Dr Manish Mali and Dr Prasad Bhate.