IGMC-Shimla doctor raises awareness about organ donation

Shimla, January 18

Having donated the organs of his 13-year-old son five years ago, Dr Puneet Mahajan is making efforts to raise awareness about organ donation in the state. “The personal loss is the biggest driving force behind what I am doing today. I see my efforts towards raising awareness about organ donation as a tribute to my son,” said Dr Mahajan, a professor of surgery at the Indira Gandhi medical College (IGMC) and Hospital.

Little knowledge

Most people know just about eye donation but have little idea about organ donation. So a lot of efforts are required to raise awareness on this front. — Dr Mahajan, Professor of Surgery, IGMC

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Incidentally, when the State Organ Tissue Transplant Organisation was set up at the IGMC last year, Dr Mahajan was made the nodal officer of the organisation.

Dr Mahajan says there is little awareness about organ donation among people. “Most people know just about eye donation but have little idea about organ donation. So a lot of efforts are required to raise awareness on this front,” he said.

Nevertheless, Dr Mahajan said many people from the state have donated the organs of their loved ones at the PGI over the last few years. “Most people agree to donate the organs once they are told how the noble gesture could give a new lease of life to as many as seven to eight people. Around 30-35 people from the state donated organs at the PGI over the last couple of years,” said Dr Mahajan.

Dr Mahajan delivers talks in collaboration with NGOs. His last lecture was for the webinar organsied by Umang Foundation a couple of days back. “Besides, talks are organised at rotary clubs and societies for raising the awareness,” said Dr Mahajan. “Also, we are planning talks at schools and colleges and organising marathons and cyclothons in the future,” he said.