THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government will honour the kin of dead donors on the occasion of World Organ Transplant Day on August 13.
As many as 30 persons belonging to donor families are expected to take part in the function being organised by the Kerala Network for Organ Sharing (KNOS) – Mrithasanjeevani. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the meet and honour the kin of donors at VJT Hall here.
Official sources said though the number of deceased donors in the state was in single digit when Mrithasanjeevani programme was kicked off in 2012, it picked up steadily in the following years.
The deceased donors registered a fourfold increase in 2013 and almost doubled next year. The number of deceased donors stands at 33 as on August 10 , 2015.
KNOS along with health department and NGOs have launched a campaign across the state on the importance of organ donation.
At the moment, 1,178 patients are on the waiting list for transplantation of various organs including heart in the state.
The longest wait list is for kidney (1,018) followed by liver (152), heart (six) and pancreas. Since 2012, the KNOS has transplanted 361 organs till date, including 240 kidneys and 98 livers.
One can provide information on donation on 24-hour helpline number 9048600055.
Organ transplant coordinator Aneesh P. V. is also available on mail — aneeshknos@gmail.com — for any information regarding transplant.
