Another family leads the way for organ donation

Organ donation in the state is still in its nascent stage. Many people and families are affronted by the very idea of it. But some families understand the need for it and despite all their qualms, agree to donate the organs of their loved ones. Satyanarayana’s family has been instrumental in their drive for organ donation and have set a path for the others to follow.

M Satyanarayana aged 46, a resident of Allwyn colony, Kukatpally was admitted to National Institute of Medical Science (NIMS) on Monday due to brain hemorrhage. On evaluation, it was found that his brain had already sustained severe damage and was declared brain dead on Tuesday.

Sailaja Prasad Rao, a senior medico social worker and transplant councilor from Jeevandan, counseled the bereaved family. She spoke to his wife and two daughters about the benefits of organ donation and how many lives could be saved if people like Satyanarayana, donated their viable organs. The family, though in shock, grasped the words of Sailaja and agreed to donate the organs to help the needy. Two kidneys, liver, two heart valves and two corneas were sent to different hospitals and the lives of five patients changed eternally. Two of whom who didn’t have vision could open their eyes for the first time.

The entire procedure was overseen by Jeevandan, an organisation set up by the Government of AP for the purpose of promoting and coordinating organ transplantation in the state.