Baramulla, Apr 06: Government Degree College Baramulla (Autonomous) and the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) jointly organised an awareness programme on organ donation on Saturday. The event saw active participation from faculty members and students of the college.
Addressing the gathering, Principal of Government Degree College Baramulla (Autonomous), Mohammad Farooq Rather, highlighted the noble cause of organ donation and called for the urgent need to raise awareness about it. He addressed common misconceptions surrounding organ donation and stressed its potential to save lives.
Dr Irfan Ahmad Lone, Transplant Coordinator at SOTTO, expressed concern over the limited awareness about organ donation, particularly in the Kashmir Valley.
He said continuous efforts are needed to educate the public about this crucial issue. “People have many misconceptions about organ donation. There is a dire need to raise awareness about organ donation among people. Organ donation is a noble cause. It can save lives,” he added.
Dr Irfan, an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at GDC Baramulla, urged people to pledge for organ donation to further promote awareness.
He noted a contrast between the enthusiasm for organ donation in South India compared to the reluctance observed in North India.
“People in South India are coming forth but there is reluctance in North India when it comes to organ donation,” he said.
Highlighting the pressing need for organ transplants in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Irfan said a high number of patients are awaiting kidney and cornea transplants in the region. He said successful cornea transplant surgeries are being performed in both Jammu and Kashmir.
The program concluded with a question and answer session, during which students engaged in discussions and raised queries regarding organ donation.
