GMC Jammu & SOTTO J&K felicitates BJS J&K for contribution in Corneal Donation and releases video message on organ donation

Government Medical College Jammu in collaboration with State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (SOTTO) J&K felicitated Bhartiya Jain Sanghatna (BJS) J&K Chapter for contributing maximum no. of corneal donations in J&K on Wednesday at Government Medical College Jammu.

Dr Elias Sharma, Professor and Head, Department of Urology and Nodal Officer, SOTTO J&K presented the welcome address  and apprise the audience that GMC Jammu has conducted 26 live kidney transplants since it got registration i.e from April 2022.  

Dr Ashok Sharma, Professor and Head, Department of Ophthalmology, GMC Jammu apprised that 45 corneal transplants were done in GMC Jammu and he shared his experience on Corneal Donation/Transplants.

Dr Sanjeev Puri, Joint Director SOTTO J&K in his address expressed appreciation and gratitude to BJS J&K Chapter for their contribution in this noble cause. He apprised that BJS J&K have been organizing community activities with the purpose of promoting Deceased Organ and Tissue Donation among the community.

It is pertinent to mention that 17 Jain Families have donated corneas of their loved ones out of 26 families in J&K in the year 2023 and 2024. So out of total 52 corneal donations they have contributed 34 donations till date in these 2 years.

Mr. Sandeep Jain, President BJS J&K Chapter informed that most of his community members and their families had pledged for organ/tissue donation. He thanked SOTTO J&K and Eye Bank GMC Jammu for working efficiently and timely retrieving the corneas from deceased persons.  

Every year, we lose a significant number of patients to end-stage organ failure due to non-availability of organs and tissues. We must dispel myths and fears and develop a positive attitude towards organ and tissue donation in our society, said Mrs. Monika Jain, Secretary, BJS J&K Chapter.

Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal GMC Jammu said that while many people think about organ donation, few have been able to do it. It’s an act through which a person lives on even after his/her death. He underlined the importance of creating wide awareness about the issue, so that it becomes a regular practice. 

He presented a momento and organ donation painting on behalf of SOTTO J&K to the President, BJS J&K Chapter for commendable work in corneal donation in J&K. 
On the occasion, a video message on Human Organ Donation composed and presented by Mr. Narinder Vaid, Jr. Staff Nurse/Transplant Coordinator, GMC Jammu was also released. Ms. Neeru Verma, Co-actor; Waziirr X music, Music and Video Director; Gursharan Garry, actor and Ashok Jasrota Director of Photography were present during the release.

The programme was attended by Prof  Dr Sanjay Kai, Dept of Ophthalmology, Dr Hansraj Prof Dept. of Ophthalmology and Eye Bank Manager,, Dr Rehana Khurshid, MS SSH Jammu, Dr Sanyogita Soodan, Dy MS SSH, Dr Mozzain Iqbal, Dr Sunil Bhat from Urology Department and members of BJS J&K.

Whole event was coordinated by Mrs. Anshu Sharma, Consultant (IEC /Media),  Mr Irfan Lone, Transplant Coordinator, Mrs Nisha Kumari, DEO, Mr. Ashok Singh and Mr. Ashwani Kumar, Drivers from SOTTO J&K.