Atal Setu Bridge in Goa Shines Green for National Organ Donation Day
The iconic Atal Setu bridge in Goa is illuminated in bright green to celebrate India’s National Organ Donation Day on August 3. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.
Symbol of Hope
The green light on the bridge symbolizes hope for those awaiting a second chance at life through organ transplantation. It serves as a reminder of the many people who have died waiting for a life-saving organ and expresses gratitude to organ donors and their families.
Organizers and Their Message
This initiative has been undertaken by the MOHAN Foundation and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Goa. Gabriel Pereira, a representative of the MOHAN Foundation, stated, “The idea of illuminating the Atal Setu bridge is to not only raise awareness about organ donation but also spark conversations about organ donation within families and communities.”
Dr. Shekhar Salkar, President of IMA Bicholim and Lions Club of Bicholim, added, “By lighting up Atal Setu in green, we hope to inspire more individuals to pledge their organs and provide the gift of life to those in need.”
Current Situation
Currently, more than a million Indians suffer from end-stage organ failure, with less than 10 percent receiving timely help. Dr. Sandesh Chodankar, IMA Goa State President, mentioned that a primary reason for the lengthy waiting lists for organ transplants is the lack of awareness about the possibility of organ donation after brain death.
Dr. Amol Mahaldar, a nephrologist and chairman of the organ donation cell at IMA Goa, highlighted India’s low organ donation rate of 0.64 per million population, one of the lowest in the world. He emphasized the need to sensitize the public and encourage them to discuss their organ donation wishes with their loved ones.
Doubts Revealed
Atal Setu Bridge -: Atal Setu is a big bridge in Goa, named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a former Prime Minister of India. It helps people travel across the Mandovi River.
Goa -: Goa is a small state in India known for its beautiful beaches and tourist spots.
National Organ Donation Day -: This is a special day in India, celebrated on August 3, to encourage people to donate their organs to help others who are very sick.
MOHAN Foundation -: MOHAN Foundation is an organization in India that works to promote organ donation and help people understand its importance.
Indian Medical Association (IMA) -: IMA is a group of doctors in India who work together to improve healthcare and medical practices in the country.
Organ donation -: Organ donation is when a person gives their organs, like kidneys or heart, to help someone else who needs them to live.
End-stage organ failure -: This means that a person’s organ, like their heart or liver, is not working anymore, and they need a new one to survive.
Transplants -: A transplant is a medical operation where a doctor puts a new organ into someone’s body to replace a damaged one.