Life Before Ashes: Medanta and Mohan Foundation highlight organ donation through unique exhibition

New Delhi: In a poignant reminder of the impact of organ donation, Medanta Hospital, in collaboration with the Mohan Foundation, has organized a unique exhibit titled “Life Before Ashes” at Medanta Medicity in Gurugram. The exhibit, held on the UG Floor of the hospital, features intricately designed models of four vital organs — the kidney, heart, liver, and lung — crafted from ashes.

The initiative is supported by prominent medical professionals, including Dr. Anil Bhan, Dr. Arvind Kumar, Dr. Rajesh Ahlawat, and Dr. AS Soin, who advocate for the importance of organ donation and its potential to transform lives.

The walkthrough exhibit, part of the observance of National Organ Donation Day, is designed to encourage individuals to take a pledge to become organ donors. By showcasing the organs in their ash form, the exhibit effectively communicates the critical message that what has become ashes could have been a vital part of someone’s survival.

Organ donation is a crucial act that can save up to 7-8 lives per donor. However, in India, the gap between the need for transplants and available donors is significant. Approximately 180,000 people suffer from kidney failure each year, but only 6,000 transplants are performed. Similarly, only 1,500 liver transplants are done out of the 25,000-30,000 needed, and heart transplants are limited to 10-15 annually despite 50,000 individuals with end-stage heart failure. Cornea transplants are also insufficient, with 25,000 performed versus a requirement of 100,000 annually. Consequently, over 500,000 people with terminal diseases die each year in India due to a lack of donors.

The shortage is worsened by misconceptions about organ donation, including fears of desecration and financial concerns for the donor’s family. India’s deceased organ donation rate has been below one donor per million for over a decade, falling far short of the 65 per million needed. This deficit is further compounded by matching donors with recipients, low public awareness, and inadequate infrastructure.