A situation has been created in Sri Lanka where about 50,000 people recommended by doctors for organ transplants die in a year. The reason for those deaths is that the patients concerned could not find the organs they needed. Dr. Arjuna Thilakaratne, director of Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, points out that this situation can be identified as a severe problem in the health sector problems. If the organs were properly procured for patients, it would save 50,000 lives a year.
Dr. Arjuna Tillakaratne points out
There is also a possibility of using the organs of brain-dead patients to save the lives of patients. However, the people’s ignorance about the importance of making that sacrifice is the most substantial obstacle to completing this process. Dr Arjuna Tillakaratne points out that the organs of brain-dead people are buried with them. He also points out that if society was aware, there is a possibility of taking their organs and using them to keep another person alive. Almost 2,000 people who die in a year due to sudden deaths are deprived of organ procurement due to social ignorance.
Any citizen can register
“After death, it is possible to give one’s organs for transplantation to someone else. Citizens can register for that. We have prepared such a special occasion. However, the society is still not properly informed about this. Because of that, those who suffer sudden death lose the ability to get strong functional organs. Organ donation is a great gift. Sri Lankan people are not unwilling to give. Here is a question of awareness. If they had received proper awareness, each person would have come forward to donate their organs.” said the hospital director.
Many hospitals have the facility
Many hospitals in Sri Lanka have developed facilities for organ transplantation. Hospitals are also equipped with related medical staff. However, the problem has been the inability to procure organs. Although it is possible to obtain the organs of people who are brain dead due to any reason, it can only be done with the permission of the next of kin of the concerned person. This has sometimes hindered the organ procurement process. Although there is no severe problem of obtaining permission, the health departments point out that due to issues such as the difficulty of contacting relatives in cases of sudden death, such activities are avoided.
The willingness of a close relative to donate organs
However, there is no need to obtain the consent of the relatives in getting the organs of people who express their wish to donate organs while alive. However, because it takes time to find out that the people related to organ donation have expressed their consent and the relatives are not aware of it, it is also possible to observe situations where such people often miss the opportunity to get organs.
Organ donation is more widely available after a person has died. Organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas and small intestine can be transplanted in this way. These include skin, bones, heart valves and eye membranes. Taking organs from someone for transplant is a critical matter. After all, efforts to save a sick person fail, and the person dies, the organs are harvested. It is also done after certifying that the person concerned has passed under the supervision of an external independent doctor or group of doctors. Also, things like getting a relative’s permission should be considered.
There are problems with some religions
It is essential to obtain the consent of the deceased’s next of kin for organ donation. An inquiry is also made regarding the wishes and goals of the dead person. Even within the same religious group, there are different opinions about donating organs. In this matter, we have to pay attention to those cultural activities. Many people who agree to organ donation say that it is a matter of happiness to see good come to another person through the loss of their relative.
Buddhism and organ donation are two things that go hand in hand. Helping others is one of the most vital points in Buddhist philosophy. Charity is an essential factor in the completeness of the Buddhist spiritual life.
