Need for counsellors in Chennai hospitals stressed

Chennai: Though awareness on organ donation is on the rise, the need for counsellors at every hospital to help families through their struggle following the loss of their loved ones is felt essential.

“Hospitals should hire counsellors to be present with the family before their loved ones are declared brain dead. It will take time for family to come to terms with the loss and donating organs will be the last thing on their minds,” said Dr Sridhar, senior consultant surgeon, Kauvery Hospital.

Not only is it felt essential to counsel family members, but doctors too require more awareness on the importance of organ donation, state activists. “It is very important to educate the public about organ donation. Over the years, we have recognized that there is a greater need to educate doctors and hospitals about the same,” said Sunil Shroff of Mohan Foundation.

Tamil Nadu has the highest rate of traffic accidents in India and many are brought to the hospitals brain dead. “Loss of organs at the casualty level is seen to be high as doctors prefer not to waste a hospital bed on the dead,” said a nephrologist from Vellore.

There are many who back out of the option due to superstitious beliefs. “Family members of the deceased tend to back out from the option for the fear of their loved ones; body getting dented,” said Aravindan Sundar, co-founder of the Coalition of Organ Failure Solutions.