Department of Plastic Surgery, JIPMER, Puducherry has organised a sensitisation programme on Organ donation at Pondicherry University Community College. The theme of the programme is “Reconstructive Transplant and Organ Donation Awareness Program” which is steered by Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery at JIPMER.
Centre of Excellence, National Programme for Prevention and Management of Trauma and Burn Injuries, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India has sponsored the event.
The program was presided over by Prof. Lalitha Ramakrishnan, Principal (i/c), who emphasized the importance of creating awareness about organ donation among students and the general public. The event was coordinated by Dr. D. Varalakshmi, Assistant Professor & Head (i/c), of the Department of Biochemistry
Dr. S. Dinesh Kumar, in his address, provided valuable insights into reconstructive transplantation and the life-saving impact of organ donation. He explained how advanced surgical techniques have made it possible to restore function and appearance in patients with severe injuries and deformities. He also highlighted the growing need for organ donors in India and stressed that a single donor can donate for eight transplants. A donor can donate heart, lungs, pancreas, intestinal parts, kidneys, skin, uterus and even face which is very useful to transplant for injured army personnel and acid attack victims. He shared his ideas on the common myths and misconceptions about organ donation, explained the importance of timely organ retrieval and transplantation, and encouraged students to pledge for this noble cause. He shared the experience of JIPMER in hand and face transplants which are historical achievements. He informed that the world has done 148 hand implants so far out of which 74 of them are done in India itself which is a record in the medical field.
An interactive session was also held where students raised questions on organ donation and transplantation, which were inspirationally addressed by the Dr. Dinesh Kumar in a student friendly vernacular language.