CHANGING OUTLOOK TOWARDS ORGAN DONATION: OVERCOMING MYTHS
Organ donation is the transplantation of brain dead person to a recipient in need of that organ for survival. The heart of brain dead person can become a heartbeat for a serious ailing person. But people still resist getting them registered for this process. The below study will clear your doubts about organ donation:
- Your life is of utmost importance: People have the mindset that they will not be attended to properly if they are organ donors. But doctors operating on you are not aware of your organ donation status at the time of the accident or any life-threatening ailment. Saving your life is the topmost priority for them.
- Age is not a barrier: If you are 18 years of age, you can pledge your organs for donation. Let the doctors decide the fitment of your organ at the time of transplant. In case of minor brain dead, parent or guardian can give the consent. A 95 years old person of Western Virginia is the oldest organ donor in the world.
- Nonprioritization for wealthy people: No rich person can skip the queue for organ donation. Whether you are eligible for organ donation on the waitlist depends on blood type, the seriousness of the illness, order in the waitlist, etc.
- Religious myths: People have mythological myths about organ donation. They will the organ they will donate will be missing in their rebirth. But very basic learning of each religion is a donation. Giving life to others afterlife is the most beautiful karma.
- Cost borne by donor family: The cost of transplantation is borne by the Government or recipient family. No financial pressure is on the donor family.
- Only vital organs can be donated: People have a belief that only vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver can be donated. Other organs like the pancreas, lungs, tissues ( skin, bones, heart valves, etc) can also be donated.
- If a person recovers from a dead brain: This is a myth, as it is not possible. Additional tests are done if a person is an organ donor to be cent percent confirmed.
These are few myths that abstain people from organ donation. Clear all your doubts and step forward for organ donation.
By Ruchi Mehta
