THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said the government was planning to implement welfare schemes for the family members of organ donors. He was speaking at a function to honour the families of organ donors as part of the National Organ Donation Day here. The schemes are being planned in coordination with the health department, Mritasan-jeevani and Social Security Mission. The chief minister said the government had made tough norms for declaring a person brain dead. It is now being done by experts adhering to the international parameters.
Those economically well off often give false promises and try to get organs from live donors. Many people donate organs for financial benefits and undergo surgeries. Since the safety and medical norms are not complied with, the money received through organ donation is used for treatment of major complications later. This needs to be avoided. Pinarayi said the government was encouraging related donors to prevent such malpractices. He said the welfare of those who receive organs should also be taken into consideration.
“They have to spend huge amount for medicines post surgery. At least Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 is required every month besides long period of complete rest. New schemes need to be implemented to ensure generic medicines for such people at subsidised rates and extending the Karunya scheme,” the Chief Minister said. Mritasanjeevani has given new life to 736 people through organ transplant. He said facilities for organ transplant surgeries will be enhanced at Kottayam Medical College and Trivandrum Medical College. Earlier Mr. Manu who had both hands transplanted, welcomed the chief minister with a bouquet. The Ramdass Pisharody award was given to Dr Eashwar H.V. of Chithira Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Techn-ology, Trivandrum. Health minister K.K. Shailaja presided over the function.
