Awareness programme/ Workshop on Organ Donation & Tissue Transplantation held at Gandhi Bhawan, KU

SRINAGAR, June 14: The first ever awareness program cum workshop on the Organ Donation and Tissue Transplant was Wednesday organized by Department of Bioresources and Department of Home Science, from University of Kashmir and JK Science Technology & Innovation Council (JKTIC), JKDST in collaboration with State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (SOTTO) J&K under the aegis of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India.

The program witnessed participation by around 200 people including Medical professionals, Educational professionals and students from various departments from University of Kashmir.

As awareness is the key to success, the series of events include conduct of awareness programme cum workshop, display of banners and posters for awareness of general public, and awareness through print, electronic and social media.

The programme was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir, Prof Neolofar Khan. In her talk, she said that this Awareness programme cum Workshop on Organ Donation and Tissue Transplantation is first of its kind being organized by University of Kashmir, and such programmes should be organized by the institute regularly to raise awareness for organ/tissue donation.

This was followed by views shared by eminent dignitaries, including Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner Secretary JKST⁣ Prof Pervaiz Koul, Director SKIMS; Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Registrar, University of Kashmir, and Prof Elias Sharma, Nodal Officer SOTTO J&K about this noble act of organ donation and tissue transplantation various.

Saurabh Bhagat addressed the lack of awareness and understanding among the general public regarding organ donation and tissue transplantation. He further said that by dispelling myths, providing accurate information, and fostering open dialogue, the people will somehow get encouraged to participate in this favorable act.

Prof Pervaiz Koul also highlighted the role and need of this noble act in a very articulate manner. He motivated all to become an Organ Donor and save lives of many who are waiting for organ transplantation.

Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir addressed the need for this noble act. He said that such collaborative effort is the need of the hour in present times. He said that university is open to such collaborations that are doing such tremendous and noble acts for the welfare of the whole community.

Also, Prof. Elias put his views and thoughts before the audience in view of the organ transplantation. He cleared the myths about organ donation and inspired the audience for taking the pledge for organ donation after death.  

On the occasion, Prof. Nilofar and other dignitaries released a book related to breast cancer, authored by Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir, HOD department of Bio resources.

The inaugural session was then followed by a technical session where several eminent speakers from different medical institutes delivered their talks in a very understandable manner.

The event also witnessed the presence of various principals from several GMCs of J&K. Dr (Prof) Tariq Syed Qureshi, Principal GMC Anantnag in his remarks said nothing can be more selfless than truly giving those in need, a ray of hope and more precisely, a second chance to live.

Reflecting the key initiatives undertaken by SOTTO J&K, Prof. Elias Sharma, Nodal Officer SOTTO J&K informed the audience about types of Donors, Brain Stem Death, organs which can be donated, myths and superstitions etc. “The solution to bridge the ever widening gap between organ availability and organ requirement in India is possible only through systematic strengthening of the deceased organ donation programme,”he added.       

The event was then followed by a valedictory function where Dr. Manzoor A Mir, Head Department of Bioresources thanked all the dignitaries, eminent speakers, other respected participants, faculty members and students and scholars for their immense efforts and participation in the programme.

The event was anchored by Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Department of Bio resources, University of Kashmir and coordinated by Anshu Sharma Consultant (IEC/Media) SOTTO J&K, Irfan Ahmad Lone Transplant Coordinator SOTTO J&K, Nisha Choudhary, DEO, SOTTO J&K.