Kolkata : A conversation within a family could become a life-changing decision for someone waiting for an organ transplant. On World Organ Donation Day, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata launched ‘Shuruwat Ghar Se’, an initiative aimed at encouraging people to discuss organ donation openly with their families and make informed pledges.
The initiative featured Dr. Thankam S, Consultant – Fetal Medicine, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, whose own journey has become an example of living organ donation. After pledging her organs in 2014, Dr. Thankam decided to donate one of her kidneys to an unrelated stranger. Earlier this year, she donated her kidney to 56-year-old Surekha U., who had been undergoing dialysis for chronic kidney disease.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Thankam said that her decade-long journey towards organ donation involved several personal, medical and legal challenges, but she remained determined to fulfil her decision. She said the larger need was to build awareness and encourage families to discuss organ donation without fear, stigma or superstition.
“If my story can encourage even one family to start a conversation about organ donation, I would consider the movement to have begun,” Dr. Thankam said.
The programme brought together senior leadership and transplant specialists from Manipal Hospitals Kolkata, including Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Director, Manipal Hospitals East; Dr. Shugota Chakrabarti, Regional Head – Medical Services; Dr. Dilip Pahari, Dr. Upal Sengupta, Dr. Avinandan Banerjee, Dr. Smartya Pulai, Dr. Rajiv Sinha, Dr. Abhay Kumar, Dr. PK Misra, Dr. TK Saha, Prof. (Dr.) Rajib De, Dr. Tanmay Banerjee, Dr. Chandrashish Chakravarty and Dr. Arhana Banerjee.
A dedicated organ donation kiosk was also unveiled at the hospital to help employees, patients and visitors understand the donation process and take the first step towards pledging their organs.
India’s organ donation gap remains a concern
The initiative comes against the backdrop of a significant gap between the number of people waiting for transplants and the availability of organs. Data maintained by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) shows that India has expanded its transplant capacity considerably, but deceased-donor donation remains a key area requiring greater awareness and participation. NOTTO’s official data also highlights the country’s continuing dependence on living donors.
According to NOTTO, India recorded 18,911 organ transplants in 2024, including 3,403 transplants involving organs from deceased donors.
The organisation’s FAQs also acknowledge that the number of patients requiring organs in India is higher than the number of organs available, making greater awareness around donation particularly important.
‘One conversation can make a difference’
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Director, Manipal Hospitals East, said that behind every name on a transplant waiting list is a person and a family waiting for another chance at life.
He said the objective of ‘Shuruwat Ghar Se’ is to start the conversation where important family decisions are made — at home.
The programme also included a felicitation ceremony recognising Manipal Hospitals’ transplant specialists for their contribution to transplant care.
A panel discussion chaired by Dr. Thankam S subsequently examined issues surrounding organ donation, including misconceptions, social stigma, family communication and the importance of increasing awareness about deceased organ donation.
The discussion underlined that organ donation is ultimately about enabling life to continue. For a recipient, a successful transplant can mean returning to work, spending time with family, watching children grow or simply living without the limitations of a life-threatening illness.
Manipal Hospitals Kolkata said ‘Shuruwat Ghar Se’ is intended to continue beyond World Organ Donation Day as an ongoing effort to make organ donation a more familiar, informed and compassionate conversation within the community.
Manipal Hospitals operates organ transplant services across its Kolkata facilities, including Dhakuria, Mukundapur and EM Bypass, with multidisciplinary teams involved in transplant care.
