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Most people are willing to register for
organ donation but hesitate due to some
misconceptions. Their families too are
reluctant to make the call when the
circumstances arise. In this section we
answer some basic questions.
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What
is brain death? |
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Brain death is
the complete stoppage of brain function without
possibility of recovery. Organ donation is an option
only after all life-saving measures have failed |
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Who can be a donor? |
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Anyone from a child to an old person. Even
if you have had a serious illness in the
past, you can still become a donor. People
with diabetes, hepatitis and cancer
sometimes can donate their organs. The only
individuals who cannot donate are those who
test positive for HIV. |
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[-] Will my
family have to pay for the cost of my organ donation? |
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There is no cost
to the donor family for donation. |
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[-] Will my
family receive money for my organs? |
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No. It is illegal
to buy or sell human organs in India. In our experience
organ donation has helped families in the grieving process -
to know that their loved ones, ‘live on’. |
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[-] Will my
body look different if I donate my organs and tissues? |
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Donation is a
surgical procedure. Donor organs are removed surgically, and
the donor’s body is closed, as in any surgery. There will be
no outward loss of appearance. |
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[-] How are
organs distributed to patients waiting for organ transplants? |
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Every person
waiting for an organ transplant is registered with the
Government on a waiting list. Organs are allocated based
upon medical urgency, genetic matching and length of waiting
time. |
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[-] Who will
receive the organs? |
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Recipients are
chosen on the grounds of need, longest waiting time and by
blood group and if necessary, by tissue characteristics.
There is a waiting list for organ transplants because demand
exceeds supply. Government Regulations ensure that the
organs are fairly distributed. |
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[-] Do the rich
and famous have a better chance of receiving a transplant? |
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Eligibility to
receive an organ transplant is not determined by a person's
financial status or celebrity. After a patient has been
determined to be a medically-suitable candidate for an organ
transplant, their name is added to the national computerised
waiting list. |
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[-] Will the
identity of the organ donor be revealed to the transplant
recipient? |
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The identities of
both the recipient and the donor family are confidential.
Unless on some occasions when both sides wish to
communicate. |
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[-] What does
our law state on organ donation? |
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The Government of
India recognizes the concept of brain death and has
legalized the procurement of organs from brain dead persons
through ‘The Transplantation of Human Organs Act’ (1994). |
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[-] What
happens if I come across an accident victim who is carrying an
organ donor card |
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Call the MODE
Hotline immediately. You can also call the Nodal Officer
of the nearest General Hospital. |
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