In a move to boost cadaver organ donations in the state, Amruta Fadnavis — wife of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis — on Thursday expressed her wish to spread awareness on the issue. Amruta, who was the chief guest at KEM hospital to celebrate Maharashtra Organ Donation Day, felicitated the cadaver organ donor families.
Nandkishore Naik (52) was among the 43 cadaver organ donor's families who were felicitated for the noble cause. Naik, a head constable at Nagpada police station, had taken the decision to donate his wife Seema Naik's (52) organs after she was declared brain dead. "On February 11, my wife was pronounced brain dead by Nanavati Hospital and was kept on ventilator. I was approached by doctors who requested me to donate her organs and give a new lease of life to others. I promptly agreed and gave my consent," said Naik.
Talking about organ transplantation, he said: "Even in today's world, people believe in superstitious things such as if a person's organ is donated, his soul will not rest in peace. Rather than believing on such things, people should help needy patients by donating organs. People should take revolutionary steps and come forward by donating organs and help others who needs them the most."
The trend of cadaver donations has always been uneven in the city. In 2012, there were 27 donations, while in 2013, the number was 24. In 2014, the city saw 41 donations which benefited 107 people. Next year, there were 44 donations that helped 114 people. In 2016, till March, there have been 16 cadaver donations.
