An ‘organ donor village’ in Kerala

Alappuzha: A sleepy village in the district has set an example for organ donation thanks to the efforts of ‘Pranamam Arts and Sports Club.’   Veliyambra at Thanneermukkom near Cherthala  is now called the ‘organ donating village’  due to the initiative of 60 youngsters launched one-and-a-half-years ago. Over 300 families out of  500 in the village  have pledged to donate their organs after death.

According to M. Aneesh, club secretary, the move was initiated after a club member, Natarajan, died during Onam in 2012 following renal failure as  he had no money for treatment.  “The villagers were superstitious about donating their organs. However, the awareness classes and confidence of our members helped them come forward for this cause,’’  he says.

“We wanted to ensure that none in future should die of organ failure. The death of Natarajan was an eyeopener to us. The consent letters of the villagers have been handed over to the Kidney Federation of India through the Junior Chamber International (JCI), Alappuzha chapter,’’ he says.

According to Mr Kannan, club president, two months after they started the move, they got overwhelming response  from the people’s  representatives. Two adults from each family have signed the consent letter to donate their organs.

Chandra Babu, a club member, adds that the elders in the village were hesitant to accept the idea initially. “But, we  carried out mass awareness programmes and house visits providing an insight among the people about the importance of organ donation,’’ he says.

“Pranamam and its members have done a significant service to  society. I have assured them all my help for their good work,” says Mr Anto Mathew,  ward member.