A Session on Eye/Organ Donation
On the 29th December, 2016, from 3:00 pm- 4:30 pm a session was devoted by Fr. George Kannanthanam and Col Kapoor on Eye and other Organ Donations. They explained the possibilities and processes of eye and organ donations.
Col. Kapoor and Fr. George Kannanthanam inspired the gathering saying that the eye (Cornea) donation is one of the most beneficial and at the same time without any damage or loss to the human person, can be done. The eye (cornea) donation is done within 4-6 hours time after one’s death. They said that there are more than 385 million visually challenged persons globally out of which 39 million are completely blind. India is home to the world’s largest number of blind people with 15 million persons (WHO 2010). Barely, about 35,000 corneas are collected in the country annually, though 150,000 are required to combat corneal blindness. 82% of the 600 million persons with disabilities worldwide live below the poverty line and this is very true with blindness. We want to bring light to this grave socio-economic health issue.
Other organs can be donated only in a hospital and that too in a situation when it is ascertained that the donor is hundred percent brain dead. But the donors may make the promise while they are alive to donate their organs after their death or after they are brain dead.
The Delhi Province of the Society of Jesus, has decided to promote this cause for the wellness of the people in the society and already more than seventeen members have already pledged their eyes to be donated after their death.