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"World Kidney Day" on 8th March 2012.

Forthcoming event

Rider Mania

Prevention of kidney disease

Various ways to prevent the kidney disease

Patient Care

Various activities to promote patient care

Kidney Transplantation

Various activities to promote Kidney Transplantation

Organ Donor Card


	Organ Donor Card

Download and Print the Card.

Message from Sudha Chandran :

FAQ About the Organ Donor Card

What is the present status of organ transplantation?

Advance in medical science now make it possible to replace a variety of mal-functioning human organs. For instance, since 1954 thousand of kidney transplants have taken place. Techniques for transplanting kidneys, corneas, liver, pancreas, heart, bone and others tissues are currently well advanced.

How are organs for transplantation obtained?

They are donated by individuals like yourself with the donating going into effect at the time of death.

Is there a need for organ donors?

Yes. Many patients will die while waiting for a donated organ. A donated organ, successfully transplanted, is literally the gift of life-your gift of life.

How can I become a donor?

Simply sign an organ donor card in the presence of two witnesses who also sign. Then carry the card with you at all times. You will note that the card offers several options: a) indicates that you contribute any needed part of body. b) restricts the donation to the organs you specify. c) gives your entire body for anatomical study.

Is there an age requirement for donors?

Yes. Anyone 18years of age or above and of sound mind may become a donor by signing the card. An individual under 18years of age may become a donor if their parent or a legal guardian gives consent.

Can I change my mind later?

Yes. Simply tear up the card. Nothing else is necessary.

When will my gift be used?

For purpose of transplantation, organs are removed only after brain death has occurred. According to the transplantation of Human Organ Act, 1994 a person is pronounced brain dead only after independent evaluation by four different physicians.

Do I have to mention the organ donations in my will?

No. Your donor card is a kind of “pocket will” and is all you need. But obviously it’s important to carry the card and also inform your family and physician to ensure their co-operation.

Does the donor have to die in a hospital?

Yes, since by definition a brain dead individual is on ‘life’ support in an intensive care unit. The eyes, however, can be removed for up to six hours after the heart stops breathing and hence this could even be done if the individual dies at home.

Will the decision cost anything to the donor’s family?

No. The cost required for maintaining the donor will be borne by the recipient’s family or by the hospital from the time the consent fro organ donation is given.

Do I have to register with some agency?

No. Your signed and witnessed donor cards is all that is needed.

Is it possible that the brain death patient survives after being declared dead?

No. The testes done by the experts leave no possible doubts about the diagnosis of brain death and hence there is no question of survival of the individual.

Will the relatives of the donor know to whom the organ are given?

No. The name and address of the recipient is not given to the donor’s family and vice versa.

Will organ donation affect funeral and burial arrangements?

No. Removal of organs or tissues authorized by a donor will not interfere with customary funeral or burial arrangements. These remain the responsibility of relatives. If a person wills his body to a medical center for anatomical study, arrangements must be made in advance with the particular medical center.

What medical conditions exclude a person from donating organ?

HIV and cancer (except localized cancer of the brain) normally exclude people from donating organs. Otherwise, the organs are evaluated at the time of death.

What does the future hold?

As the problem of organ rejection comes under better control and as techniques for tissue-typing and organ preservation are improved, kidney and other transplant will become increasingly feasible.

Will my family be paid or have to pay for organ donation?

No.

What are the ethics of organ donation and transplantations?

Moral leaders the world over favor such donations as expressions of the highest humanitarian ideals. The gift of an organ essential to the life of another human being is consistent with principles of religious and ethical systems over whelmingly held.

What else can I do to advance this life- preserving program?

Acquaint others with the donor card program. The more donors available, the more this new and important medical advance can be used for the benefit of mankind

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