Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 19: The J&K State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (SOTTO) organized a deliberation on the initiation of Cadaveric Organ Donation at the Government Medical College Jammu. The session was led by Dr. Vipan Koushal, Professor & Head of the Department of Hospital Administration at PGI Chandigarh, who is also the Nodal Officer for the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (ROTTO North).
Dr. Koushal's institution has been at the forefront of Cadaveric Donation & Transplantation in North India. The event was chaired by Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal and Dean of GMC Jammu.
Dr. Elias Sharma, HoD Urology and Renal Transplant, GMC Jammu and Nodal Officer (SOTTO) J&K, formally welcomed the attendees and discussed the challenges and necessities for developing the required infrastructure to initiate the deceased donation program in the hospital.
Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Director Coordination, New Medical Colleges, J&K, was the Guest of Honour. He emphasized that raising awareness about organ donation can be a lifesaver for those suffering from organ failure.
Dr. Ashutosh Gupta stressed the importance of increasing sensitization about the altruistic cause of organ donation, as deceased organ donation provides a second chance at life.
Dr. Sanjeev Puri, Joint Director, made a presentation on the key initiatives undertaken by J&K SOTTO, including training, workshops, seminars, and awareness activities on Organ Donation and Transplantation. SOTTO has facilitated the registration of Renal and Corneal Transplantation in various medical institutions and centers, furthering the cause.
Dr. Vipin Koushal elaborated on the future course of action to accelerate the "Deceased Organ Donation and Retrieval" Program. He commended SOTTO J&K for their efforts in raising awareness in the field of Organ Donation. The meeting aimed to engage stakeholders in boosting donation, retrieval, and transplantation activities within the Government Medical College.
Dr. Haroon Salaria, HoD Neuro-Surgery, GMC Jammu, stressed the need for training and sensitization of ICU/Emergency staff and improved reporting of brain death cases.
In appreciation of the occasion, Dr. Elias Sharma and Dr. Sanjeev Puri gifted Organ Donation Paintings created by students to Dr. Vipin Koushal and Dr. Yashpal Sharma.
The meeting was attended by various HoDs, faculty and staff from multiple departments, and Transplant Coordinators from GMCH Jammu. |
