Shubhra Singh, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, lauded Rajasthan for its deep-rooted culture of donation, hailing it as a land of Bhamashahs (philanthropists) and donors.
Speaking at a state-level organ donation and transplant orientation workshop, Singh highlighted the substantial increase in awareness about organ donation, asserting that Rajasthan leads the nation in pledges.
Approximately 25 per cent of citizens above 18 years old have committed to organ donation, setting a record for the state.
Singh outlined a roadmap to position Rajasthan at the forefront of organ donation, emphasizing ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s organ donation infrastructure.
She acknowledged the government’s commitment to healthcare, noting substantial improvements in medical facilities and health indicators. Singh also discussed ongoing inspections of medical institutions to enhance health services.
Medical Education Commissioner Shivprasad Nakate stressed the need for technology-based communication systems to connect organ donors and recipients, alongside promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Anil Kumar from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization discussed the challenges and myths surrounding organ donation, emphasizing the importance of counselling families of brain stem-dead patients.
Dr Sunil Shroff, Managing Trustee of the Mohan Foundation, praised Rajasthan’s unique initiative of including organ donation preferences on driving licenses. Dr Sudhir Bhandari, Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, highlighted pressing challenges and misconceptions surrounding organ donation.
Various health officials, experts, and representatives from voluntary organizations participated in the informative program.