How is the Maha govt enhancing organ donation efforts?

Mumbai, Aug 4 (NationPress) In an effort to enhance organ donation rates in Maharashtra and provide renewed hope to patients in need of transplants, the state government has initiated the Organ Donation Fortnight, featuring various awareness programs.

Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar set the tone by personally completing the organ donation form and making a pledge, thereby officially launching the campaign. He called upon the citizens of Maharashtra to participate in this noble cause and commit to organ donation.

The Angdaan Jeevandaan Sanjeevani Abhiyan (Organ Donation - A Gift of Life Campaign) will take place from August 3 to August 15 throughout the state. During this time, comprehensive awareness activities and community-oriented programs are scheduled, as outlined by Minister Abitkar.

He has instructed all relevant departments to conduct extensive outreach initiatives. Schools, colleges, NGOs, religious organizations, health entities, and social workers are expected to actively engage in the campaign. Various institutions focused on organ donation at both national and state levels, such as ROTTO, SOTTO, Regional Transplant Coordination Committees, and ZTCCs in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, will collaborate to execute the campaign statewide, according to the minister.

“Organ donation is a societal obligation, and effective public awareness is crucial for positively shifting community perspectives. The campaign aims to eliminate fears, misconceptions, and superstitions regarding organ donation while providing the public with accurate scientific information. Events will occur in every district, taluka, health institution, and educational establishment throughout the fortnight,” stated the Minister.

Minister Abitkar urged officials to view this campaign not merely as an initiative but as a movement that can instill hope in thousands of patients. He stressed the importance of altering public perception, addressing fears surrounding organ donation, and amplifying awareness efforts during this campaign. Regular assessments and district-specific outreach activities will ensure Maharashtra rises to prominence in organ donation.

The campaign will conclude on August 15 with district-level events where district guardian ministers will honor the families of organ donors, introducing an inspiring aspect to this initiative.

The primary objective of this initiative is to promote the significance of organ donation across the state and position Maharashtra as a frontrunner in this critical area. The State Health Department is dedicated to ensuring the campaign's success through robust public engagement, he emphasized.