Tamil Nadu model for organ transplantation.

Setting an example for the entire country is the Tamil Nadu model for organ transplantation. Since the first lung transplant in the country, performed in Chennai in the late 1990s, Tamil Nadu has seen around 1.3 million cadaveric donations. Support from the Tamil Nadu government and mass awareness has largely contributed to the success of organ transplantation in that state.

“The Tamil Nadu government has helped in pushing the cause of organ donation . There is a transplant coordinator in every hospital,” said Dr T Sunder, senior consulting cardio-thoracic surgeon at Apollo Hospital, Chennai. “But most importantly it is public awareness that has helped the most. People are now more willing to come forward to help the cause.”

“Awareness among the masses about transplants is high in the south. NGOs and governmental organisations conduct various campaigns and activities that help spread the word,” Dr Rela said.

In other states, misconceptions, superstition and sheer lack of awareness prevail even among the “educated” masses. “Relatives fear mutilation of the donor’s body and are not willing to come forward. Awareness levels even among the educated people are low. This is something that must change if we are to save the millions who are dying just waiting for a suitable donor,” said Dr Sunil Keswani of the National Institute of Burns, Airoli.