Shillong, June 19: The Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Zublee Foundation today organized a sensitization programme on “Deceased Organ Donation and the Way Forward” at MIIT, Brookdene, Dhanketi, Shillong.
Dr. Joram Beda, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department graced the programme as the chief guest in the presence of Dr. Sarbeshwar Sahariah (Padma Shri), Chief Transplant Urologist, KIMS Hyderabad & Pro Vice Chancellor, USTM, Meghalaya, Priyanka Borah, CEO, Zublee Foundation and others.
Addressing as the chief guest, Dr. Joram Beda expressed hope that the sensitization programme would enlighten the concerned department about the life-saving impact of organ transplants for patients in critical need
Speaking on the Overview of Deceased Organ Donation and its Importance, Dr. Sarbeshwar Sahariah spoke about the acute shortage of organs available for transplantation in India and emphasized the crucial role of awareness campaigns in promoting organ donation. He stressed the significance of initiating and supporting organ donation efforts in the region.
In her address, Priyanka Borah, CEO of Zubelee, stated that there is a lack of public awareness and understanding regarding deceased organ donation. She highlighted the limited data available on Meghalaya residents who undergo transplants in other parts of the country.
Borah emphasized the urgent need for establishing infrastructure to support organ donation programs. She outlined a roadmap for launching the Deceased Organ Donation Programme in Meghalaya.
These includes steps such as awareness and education campaigns, policy formulation, developing specific guidelines for organ donation, infrastructure development for transplant centers, training and capacity building, establishing a donor registry, and integrating hospitals into the donation process.
