He explained that a very large number of patients die every year due to organ failure and transplantation is the only treatment available.

He also said that there are only about 25 organs and tissues like the heart, lungs, liver, corneas (eye), bones, skin etc that can be transplanted.

“Only a few like kidney, blood & a part of the liver can be donated by living persons. Therefore, cadaver donation is the only answer to meet the growing requirement of thousands in need.”

Gift of Life Organ Donation Awareness Society (GLODAS), which was launched on July 12 this year by State Health Minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla, is pushing ahead it’s campaign to generate awareness about the noble deed of organ & tissue donation to save lives.

Dr GPI Singh, professor and head of Community Medicine at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, also the vice-president and an active campaigner of GLODAS-India explained the concept and philosophy behind the campaign.

Dr Aulakh also said that GLODAS was planning to hold presentations, seminars and discussions in colleges, schools and organised groups like Indian Medical Association, social service clubs, army camps and so on.

“During such meetings, free literature is distributed and the audience is motivated to sign a donor card after discussion with the next of kin, which he or she should keep on him or her as an expression of wish to donate organs after death,” he said.