Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], August 14: In a heartfelt tribute to those who have given the ultimate gift of life, Shalby Multi-speciality Hospitals honoured organ donors and their families on the occasion of World Organ Donation Day on Tuesday.
The event, held at the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA), was part of Shalby Hospitals’ special initiative to raise awareness about organ donation and celebrate the selfless acts of compassion that have saved countless lives.
The distinguished guests included Harshad Patel, Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, Dilip Deshmukh (Dada) of Angdaan Charitable Trust, Pratik Patwari, former president of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Chiranjiv Patel, MD of Snehal Group of Companies.
Shalby Hospitals honoured organ donors and their families, recognising their invaluable contribution to society. The event also featured various activities aimed at further raising awareness about organ donation, reinforcing the message that life is a gift worth passing on.
Furthermore, Shalby Hospitals’ employees and volunteers raised awareness about organ donation by displaying banners and placards at 17 traffic junctions in the city, reaching more than 50,000 people. Over 1,000 employees of the hospital were appealed to take a pledge for organ donation, leading by example in this important initiative.
“Organ donation is a profound act of kindness that saves lives and gives hope to those in need. Today, we salute the bravery and generosity of donors and their families who have chosen to pass on the gift of life. It is our privilege to honour them for their exemplary gesture. We remain committed to raising awareness about organ donation,” said Dr. Nishita Shukla, Group COO of Shalby Hospitals.
Gujarat has made significant strides in organ donation in recent years and is among the top 10 states in terms of organ donation in the country. In the last five years, a total of 1,654 organs have been transplanted from 537 brain-dead donors in the state. This includes 908 kidneys, 468 livers, 117 hearts, 114 lungs, 14 pancreas, 9 small intestines and 24 hands. The number of organ donors in Gujarat increased by 128%, and organ donations rose by 176% in 2023 compared to 2019.
Dr. Raj Mandot, Senior Kidney Transplant Physician mentioned how there is an increase in number of Kidney Transplants is increasing. He stated at Shalby Hospitals they perform all complex Kidney Transplant surgerie. Shalby Hospitals has so far performed more than 300 kidneys.
Dr. Bhavin Vasavada, Senior Liver Transplant Surgeon mentioned their team across Shalby Units have done 110 liver tranplant, providing a new lease of life to these patients. It remains committed to promoting organ donation and supporting those who contribute to this noble cause, making a lasting impact on healthcare in Gujarat and beyond.
Dr. Rakesh Shah, Cluster Head Shalby Hospitals, Ahmedabad, said, “Each year, around 5 lakh people breathe their last while waiting for organs. There has been a rise in awareness about organ donation and organ donations in the last few years, but there is still a long way to go. Shalby Hospitals is undertaking various initiatives and campaigns to raise awareness about organ donation and encouraging people to register as organ donors.”
