Mumbai: In a significant step to promote organ donation and save lives, the Maharashtra government will observe Organ Donation Fortnight from August 3 to 15 across the state. As a part of the campaign, families who have donated organs of brain-dead relatives, along with recipients who received a second chance at life, will be felicitated by district guardian ministers on Independence Day, August 15.
Abitkar Urges Statewide Awareness to Dispel Myths Around Donation
The initiative aims to turn organ donation into a public movement and increase awareness about its life-saving impact. Chairing a state-level planning meeting in Mumbai, Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar emphasized the need to dispel fear and misinformation around organ donation. “Patients waiting for transplants deserve a new lease on life. This campaign must reach every part of the state and inspire people to contribute,” he said.
Minister of State for Health, Meghna Sakore-Bordikar, also underscored the importance of spreading awareness. “Through joint efforts by the Health and Medical Education departments, we hope to ensure that more patients benefit from this initiative,” she said.
Joint Effort by Health and Medical Education Departments to Boost Transplant Access
Various awareness activities will be conducted at the regional level through transplant coordination committees during the fortnight. The campaign will also recognize and honor the courage and compassion of donor families and celebrate the hope brought to recipients.
Regional Committees to Lead Awareness Activities and Recognize Donor Families
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Dr. Kadambari Balkawade (Commissioner, Health Services), Dr. Akash Shukla (KEM Hospital), Dr. Sunita Golhait (Joint Director of Hospitals), Dr. Kailas Bawiskar (Deputy Director), and officers from regional transplant committees.
Minister Abitkar has called for regular monitoring of the campaign and urged all stakeholders to work collectively to make Maharashtra a leader in organ donation.
