What is Organ Donation?

Organ donation is a noble act of giving one’s organs or tissues to save or improve the lives of others who suffer from organ failure or tissue damage. It may be done during life or after death.

What is Organ Transplantation?

Organ transplantation is a surgical procedure where a failing or damaged organ in the human body is replaced with a healthy organ from a donor.

What are the types of organ donors?
1. Living Donor: A living person can donate:

• One kidney
• Part of their liver
• A lobe of the lung (rare)
• Part of pancreas or intestine (in exceptional cases)

2. Deceased Donor: An individual declared brain stem dead or has experienced cardiac death can donate multiple organs.

• Donation after Brain Death (DBD) – most common in India
• Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) – gaining recognition in India

Purpose:

• To save lives.
• To improve the quality of life of patients with organ failure.
• To help those suffering from chronic diseases or injuries.

Important points:

• Consent from the donor (or family, if deceased) is required.
• Medical screening ensures the donated organ is safe for transplantation.
• Organ donation is legal and regulated to prevent misuse.