More than 600 students from the East Coast educational institutions participated in the programme, which featured awareness sessions, interactive discussions and a public rally aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of organ donation.
Addressing the students, Dr. M. Venkatram, Director, East Coast Hospitals, highlighted the significance of organ donation and said that while the world continues to marvel at Artificial Intelligence, robots and space technology, the most sophisticated machine ever created is the human body.
"After our lifetime, the greatest gift we can leave behind is the gift of life. One organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve the quality of life of nearly 100 others through the donation of tissues such as skin, bone, corneas and heart valves," he said.
Dr. Venkatram also shared East Coast Hospitals' experience in advanced kidney transplantation, including leading the team that performed surgery on Puducherry's youngest kidney transplant recipient. He urged students to become champions of organ donation within their families and communities.
The interactive session concluded with students enthusiastically raising questions, which were answered by Dr. N. Murugesan, Founder Chairman of East Coast Hospitals and Founder of the Dr. Blue India Foundation. Widely regarded as the Father of Nephrology in Puducherry, Dr. Murugesan performed the region's first-ever kidney transplant and played a key role in establishing nephrology and dialysis services in Government hospitals across the region.
Speaking to the students, Dr. Murugesan emphasised that awareness is the first step towards saving lives. He encouraged every student to understand the importance of organ donation and motivate family members and friends to take the Organ Donation Pledge.
Dr. Murugesan also spoke about his long-standing research on preventive kidney care, which has resulted in a range of patented low-sodium salt substitutes designed to help prevent lifestyle-related kidney, heart and blood pressure disorders.
Organ Donation Pledge forms were distributed to all participants. Students who successfully motivate family members and friends to take the pledge will receive Certificates of Appreciation from East Coast Hospitals, while the top three participants will be recognised with special prizes.
The programme was also addressed by Dr. Rajan, Dean of the East Coast educational institutions, and the medical officer who has shifted to East Coast Hospitals from USA. Their talks, supported by real-life experiences and inspiring anecdotes, kept students actively engaged throughout the session.
The awareness programme concluded with Dr. N. Murugesan flagging off an Organ Donation Awareness Rally, during which hundreds of students marched through the streets of Puducherry carrying placards and spreading the message that organ donation has the power to give many people a second chance at life.
As one of the leading centres for kidney transplantation in the region, East Coast Hospitals stated that creating awareness about organ donation is as important as performing successful transplant surgeries. Through initiatives such as these, the hospital remains committed to promoting kidney health, encouraging organ donation and helping build a more informed and compassionate society.
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