Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : August 11, 2016 11:17 AM IST
Read this in HINDI
What does it mean to pledge the organs?
A question most people don't know the answer for. Many think they need to call the organ donation centres if they want to donate their organs. But this is the not case, says Sunayana Singh, Chief Executive Officer, ORGAN (Organ Receiving & Giving Awareness Network). Here is a step-by-step guide on pledging your organs.
#1 First of all, a donation will only happen in the case of a brain death, which can only be declared in a hospital or after a person dies.
#2 It is the hospital where the deceased was being treated, their counselors, transplant coordinators and doctors who will take over the donation process.
#3 The organ donation pledge that you take and the card that you get stating that is only an intention that you are expressing to donate.
#4 The place where you pledge your organs is not going to necessarily handle the actual donation.
#5 It is the hospital, who will approach the family and their counselors, who will counsel the family. And it is the hospital committee who will declare that the person is brain dead and thus, handle the donation process.
#6 Currently in India, it is the next of kin of the donor who decide whether to donate their organs or not. Even if you have pledged your organs, no donation will happen unless the next of kin gives the nod to go ahead. Here are the rules and regulation you need to know about organ donation.
#7 When you do register anywhere to be an organ donor, it s very important that you discuss it with your family. This is so that they can fulfill your wish after your death.
#8 There have been cases where the families have not gone through with donation because they said that the deceased had never spoken about it. It is a very difficult time for the family, and to take such a decision without having spoken about it before is not something they are likely to do.
#9 Also, you must remember that at the moment, registering as a donor does not mean that your donor card is a legal entity. It is merely an expression of your wish to be a donor. No matter where you get your donor card from, it does not carry any legal weight.
#10 That card simply signifies your wish for donating your organs. So keep it with you at all times and make sure you let all you friends and family know about your choice. It s courageous and selfless, and everyone should know about it.
If you want to register for organ donation, click on the link.
Image Source: Shutterstock
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