On the occasion of the 15th Organ Donation Day, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha made a heartfelt appeal to the citizens to pledge their organs, calling organ donation the highest form of humanity. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of a walkathon held at Amrakunja, Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala, Dr. Saha emphasized the life-saving potential of organ donation.
“There can be no greater humanitarian service than saving another person’s life through organ donation,” he stated. “One donor can save up to eight or nine lives by donating vital organs such as kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart.”
Walkathon Sparks Dialogue on Organ Donation Awareness
As reported by Tripuranet, the awareness event brought together medical professionals, students, civil society members, and government officials to highlight the significance of organ donation. Dr. Saha noted that while awareness in India is growing, actual donation rates remain low compared to other nations.
He attributed this gap to a lack of information and hesitation around the topic. “We must shift this mindset collectively,” he said. “Community leaders, healthcare professionals, youth groups, and media must join hands to build a strong movement for awareness and acceptance.”
Tripura Achieves Milestone in Kidney Transplants
Marking a major advancement in Tripura’s healthcare system, Dr. Saha proudly announced that the state can now perform kidney transplants. This development reduces the need for patients to travel out of state for treatment, making organ transplantation more accessible to locals.
Looking forward, he shared that plans are underway to introduce liver transplant services in the state. The establishment of the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (SOTTO) in 2023 marked a critical step toward this goal. SOTTO plays a vital role in shaping policies, coordinating organ donors, and training healthcare professionals for transplantation.
Strengthening Healthcare for a Self-Reliant Tripura
Dr. Saha, a practicing dental surgeon himself, reiterated the government’s commitment to building a self-sufficient healthcare system. “We aim to strengthen infrastructure, train skilled personnel, and promote health awareness,” he said. “Tripura is on its way to becoming a regional hub for advanced medical care.”
Tribute to Organ Donors: True Heroes of Humanity
The Chief Minister also paid an emotional tribute to the families of organ donors. He called them “true heroes of humanity,” whose compassion offers hope and a second chance at life for others.
“Even in their darkest moments, these families choose to save lives. Their selfless decisions inspire all of us,” he said.
Medical Leaders Pledge Support for Awareness Campaigns
Several senior figures from Tripura’s medical community, including Dr. Shankar Chakraborty (Medical Superintendent of GBP Hospital), Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, and Dr. Anup Kumar Saha (Principal of Agartala Government Medical College), joined the CM in calling for increased organ donation awareness.
Health Secretary Kiran Gitte stressed the importance of integrating organ donation education into medical training. “When doctors lead by example, communities follow,” he said.
A Moral Responsibility, Not Just a Medical Choice
As Tripura accelerates its efforts to become a center for critical health services, including organ transplants, the state government remains focused on capacity building and public engagement.
Dr. Saha concluded with a powerful message:
“Let us not wait for tragedy to strike our own families. Let us be the reason someone else lives. Organ donation is more than a medical decision — it is a moral one.”