AP health minister calls on people to donate organs

Vijayawada: Health minister Y. Satya Kumar on Friday called upon people to donate their organs and help save the lives of patients.

Taking part in an organ donation campaign as part of the Jeevandan programme at the Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram here, the minister pointed out that one person donating his or her organs saves the lives of eight persons.

Referring to some religious practices where organ donation is not encouraged, Satya Kumar said gods would in fact bless organ donors, as they have been kind towards their fellow beings.

The minister suggested that organs of braindead involved in road accidents could be donated.

He said so far, 260 persons have come forward to donate their organs in Andhra Pradesh, while nearly 90,000 people are waiting for organ donation. He pointed out that annually, nearly five lakh persons lose their lives because their organs get damaged.

Satya Kumar said about 2,600 persons are waiting for kidney transplantation, with the majority of them living because of dialysis.

He pointed out that in the last five years, organs of 913 persons have been transplanted. This year, 128 persons have donated their organs so far. He said they have set up a target to facilitate organ transplantation for 200 persons in the state.

The minister vowed to take up an awareness programme on organ donation in a big way with support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Interestingly, on the occasion, Satya Kumar filled up a form to donate his organs on the stage and received appreciation from the audience.