On November 9, 2022, MOHAN Foundation conducted an awareness programme on organ donation for paramedical students at Saina Institute of Medical Sciences, Porompat, Imphal. Ms. Laishram Monica Devi, Programme Officer, MOHAN Foundation was the speaker and Ms. Thoidingjam Udayini Khuman, Transplant Co-ordinator, MOHAN Foundation accompanied her.

 

The session was coordinated by Dr. Yumnam Surjit Kumar Singh, Managing Director cum Secretary, Saini Institute of Medical Sciences. And, the participants of the session were the 1^st year paramedical students.

 

MOHAN Foundation team was welcomed by the students. Ms. Monica began the session by asking participants’ understanding about organ donation and transplantation. She continued the session by introducing the MOHAN Foundation, its objectives, and its visions.

 

The presentation began with a brief overview of how organ donation saves lives and how anyone can become an organ donor. Ms. Monica stated that organ donation is something that they must deal with both in their daily lives and in their careers. Students were informed about the scenario of organ donation and the challenges the north-eastern region faces in terms of infrastructure, medical facilities and a lack of specialised services. She shared with them the development of kidney transplant programme at the government-run hospital, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, and made them aware of the fact that things are looking up in the state of Manipur, and it’s just not a theory that’s being discussed. They were also sensitised to the ever-growing need for organ transplants due to the rise of end-stage organ diseases.

 

Participants enthusiastically contributed to the discussion and posed questions during the presentation. Such as:

• The age criteria for both living and deceased organ donors.

• Process to follow if someone wants to pledge for organ donation.

 

After the session, 7 participants pledged for organ donation and the rest wanted to discuss with their families and friends before taking the decision to sign up for organ donation.

 

Close to 75 participants attended the session.