Odisha's Mukesh Mahaling Celebrates World Organ Donation Day with Heartfelt Tributes
Honoring Organ Donors in Odisha
Berhampur: On Wednesday, Odisha's Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling emphasized the profound impact of organ donation, describing it as a noble act that can inspire others even after one's passing.
Speaking at an event in recognition of World Organ Donation Day, he paid tribute to the donors and their families, stating, “Your selfless contributions have positioned Odisha as a leading state in organ donation on a national scale. Your generosity has not only saved lives but has also brought pride to our state.”
Health and Family Welfare Secretary Aswathy S welcomed the families of the organ donors, acknowledging their bravery and the humanitarian spirit behind their decisions.
She highlighted that a single organ donor has the potential to save up to eight lives, and tissue donations can benefit around 50 individuals.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of Odisha, she recognized the immense courage displayed by the families of the donors.
To commemorate the occasion, Minister Mahaling presented the Suraj Award to 24 organ donors, which was accepted posthumously by their families. Each award included a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh.
The families were also honored by district collectors following the award distribution.
The Suraj Award was established in 2020 in memory of Suraj Behera, who, after a tragic accident, became an organ donor, saving six lives. Since then, the award has been presented annually on August 13 to honor organ donors and organizations advocating for organ donation.
The state ensures that the last rites of the deceased donors are conducted with full honors.
In a related event, the family of Minati Sahu, a 42-year-old woman who passed away in Bhubaneswar, donated her body and eyes to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. Her husband, Kailash Chandra Sahu, shared that they had committed to body donation for educational purposes back in 2020, and they fulfilled that promise.
Prof Sagar Prusty from the Department of Anatomy at the medical college noted that this donation will greatly aid students in their studies and research.