THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, June 16: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday emphasised the need for greater public awareness and social participation in organ and tissue donation, describing it as an act of humanity, compassion and social responsibility that can transform and save lives.
Addressing a workshop on ‘Best Practices in Organ & Tissue Donation’, organised by the Mohan Foundation at a hotel on Bariatu Road, the Chief Minister said organ donation has the potential to offer a new beginning to many individuals awaiting life-saving transplants.
“Organ donation can mark a new beginning in the lives of many people. Awareness and social participation regarding organ donation are essential,” Soren said.
Need to Raise Public Awareness
The Chief Minister said that while organ and tissue donation is an important subject, there is still a need to educate people about its significance and the legal procedures involved.
He stressed that the government, healthcare institutions, social organisations and citizens must work collectively to create a supportive environment for organ donation.
“There is a need to increase awareness about organ and tissue donation. People should also be informed about the legal aspects involved so that misconceptions can be removed,” he said.
Organ Donation a Symbol of Humanity
Soren described organ donation as a reflection of human values and social commitment.
He suggested that hospitals should initiate discussions with family members regarding organ donation after the death of a patient, as such conversations could help save multiple lives.
“Organ donation is a symbol of humanity, sensitivity, compassion and social responsibility. It can bring new hope and happiness to several families,” he said.
Technology Transforming Healthcare
The Chief Minister highlighted the rapid advancements in the medical sector and said that technology is playing a crucial role in improving healthcare outcomes.
He noted that procedures such as robotic surgeries, liver transplants and kidney transplants are becoming increasingly common due to technological progress.
“Today, healthcare is becoming technology-driven. Advanced medical procedures are being successfully performed, and the Jharkhand government is also taking positive steps towards building a healthy state,” he said.
Experts Highlight Need to Strengthen Eye Donation Network
A significant part of the workshop focused on eye donation and corneal transplantation in Jharkhand.
Dr. B.P. Kashyap, Founder-Director of Kashyap Memorial Eye Hospital, held a detailed discussion on eye donation protocols and the development of eye banks in India. He emphasised the importance of strengthening eye donation systems and creating greater public awareness to address avoidable blindness.
Dr. Nidhi Gadkar Kashyap, Head of Corneal Transplantation at Kashyap Memorial Eye Hospital, presented the status of eye banking and corneal transplantation in Jharkhand. She highlighted the challenges faced in meeting the demand for donor corneas and the need to expand eye donation initiatives across the state.
Over 1,000 Corneal Transplants Performed Since 1996
Speaking after the workshop, Dr Bharti Kashyap, Medical Director of the Kashyap Memorial Eye Bank, said the hospital has performed 1,083 corneal transplants since 1996, helping restore vision to hundreds of patients.
However, she noted that many patients continue to wait for years because of a shortage of donor corneas.
“Hundreds of patients remain on waiting lists simply because sufficient corneas are not available. Procuring corneas from outside the state involves high costs and delays,” she said.
Dr. Kashyap stressed that Jharkhand could substantially reduce corneal blindness by developing a robust corneal retrieval programme and strengthening the eye donation ecosystem.
“By creating a successful corneal retrieval model and giving fresh momentum to corneal transplantation, the goal of making Jharkhand free from corneal blindness can be achieved,” she added.
Government Focused on Building a Healthy Society
Soren said the state government remains committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and promoting initiatives that contribute to a healthier society.
He appreciated the Mohan Foundation for organising the workshop and bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss best practices in organ and tissue donation.
Experts and Officials Attend Workshop
The event was attended by Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh, Col. Avnish, Country Head of Manipal Organ Sharing, Lalita Raghuram, Country Head of Mohan Foundation, Dr Vijay Kumar Mishra, Chairman of Critical Care at Manipal, Dr. B.P. Kashyap, Dr. Nidhi Gadkar Kashyap, and several healthcare professionals and dignitaries.
