SAMAGAM-2025: CM calls for unified approach to organ donation

SRINAGAR, FEB 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today praised the efforts of medical insti-tutions and experts in saving lives through organ transplants, addressing the inaugural session of SAMAGAM-2025.
The two-day event was organised by the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), New Delhi, in collaboration with the State Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO), J&K, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC).
As the chief guest, Omar Abdullah commended the work of institutions like the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, and GMC Jammu in advancing kidney and corneal transplants. He urged these institutions to intensi-fy their efforts to launch cadaveric organ donation programs in the region.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of increasing public awareness about organ dona-tion and stressed the need for greater collaboration between medical experts, religious scholars, and other community leaders to foster informed discussions and promote the cause. He assured the full support of the government in strengthening these initiatives for a healthier society.
During his address, Omar Abdullah also pointed out the negative effects of self-medication, life-style diseases, and physical inactivity, urging the public to adopt healthier habits. On the occa-sion, he honoured several individuals for their contribution to organ and tissue donation, includ-ing the family of the late Dr. Manzoor Ahmed, a former head of the Department of Ophthalmol-ogy at GMC Srinagar. Dr. Ahmed’s eyes were donated posthumously by colleagues Dr. Khurshid Ahmed and Dr. Seema Mian. Kidney transplant recipient Ms. Heenu Mushtaq, who is leading a healthy life, was also felicitated.
The event featured expert discussions on various aspects of organ donation, including its current status in India, the evolution of cadaveric organ donation, and how organ donation aligns with Islamic teachings. It also focused on the future of organ donation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Notable speakers included Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Government of India; Dr. Anil Kumar, Director of NOTTO; Dr. Ashraf Ganai, Director of SKIMS; Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal of GMC Srinagar; and Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal of GMC Jammu.
The event saw participation from delegates of Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisa-tions (ROTTOs) and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (SOTTOs) from across India, including representatives from states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and others.