Results for: Organ Donation

The organ transplantation system in the United States faces significant challenges, with a severe shortage of donor organs leading to long wait times and even death for those in need. While some advocate for a regulated market for kidneys, the reality of reforming the transplant system is more complex. This article explores the various efforts to improve the transplantation network, including reducing waste and fraud, increasing transparency and accountability, and implementing evidence-based matching algorithms. It also highlights the importance of ongoing system-wide reforms and the need to avoid quick fixes that may not actually improve the system.

A 19-year-old woman from Karachi, Pakistan, named Ayesha Rashan, has received a new lease on life after undergoing a successful heart transplant surgery at Chennai’s MGM Healthcare. The surgery was made possible thanks to a medical trust that covered the entire cost of the procedure, which typically exceeds Rs 35 lakh. Ms. Rashan’s condition was critical before the surgery, and she was put on ECMO, a form of life support. However, a leak developed in the valve of her heart pump, necessitating a full heart transplant. The donor heart was sourced from Delhi, and the surgery was performed by Dr. KR Balakrishnan and Dr. Suresh Rao, who praised the city’s status as a leading center for organ donation and transplant surgery. The doctors also appealed to other hospitals and professionals to offer free or low-cost transplant surgeries to make them accessible to more people in need.

Representative Allison Hepler spoke at an event to encourage organ donation, sharing her experience as a donor spouse. She emphasized the importance of considering organ donation as a final act of love, as one donor can save multiple lives and enhance even more. Donate Life, a nationwide nonprofit promoting organ donation, has registered millions of donors in the past 30 years.