Dr Chetan Kalal Hepatologist &
Transplant Physician
E very year, on the 13th of August, the world unites to celebrate a remarkable day that embodies the spirit of selflessness and compassion- World Organ Donation Day. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the crit- ical role organ donation plays in saving lives and offering hope to those in need.
Organ transplantation has revolution- ized modern medicine, allowing individ- uals with failing organs a second chance at life. For those suffering from end-stage liver disease, like cirrhosis or hepatocel- lular carcinoma, a liver transplant can be the ultimate lifesaving intervention. As a hepatologist, I am deeply aware of the challenges faced by patients awaiting a suitable organ match, and World Organ Donation Day is a crucial platform to raise awareness about these challenges and the power each individual holds to make a difference.
The demand for organs far outweighs the supply, leading to long waiting lists and unfortunate outcomes for many pa- tients. A single organ donor can potentially save multiple lives by providing organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and more. The liver, being a complex and regenerative organ, can also be divided for transplantation, enabling a single liver to benefit multiple recipients. One of the misconceptions is the fear of compromised medical care for donors. However, it’s im- portant to emphasize that medical pro- fessionals prioritize saving lives, and organ donation only becomes a consideration after all efforts to save a patient’s life have been exhausted. Rigorous protocols and ethical guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of both donors and recipients
