Bhubaneswar: In a commendable move to recognize the selfless act of organ donation, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik declared that the last rites of individuals who save lives through organ donation will be conducted with full state honours. This initiative aims to raise awareness about organ donation and inspire society to contribute to the noble cause of saving lives.
The decision emphasizes the significance of organ donation, a priceless gift that can transform and save lives. In cases of brain death, the crucial role played by the relatives in making the courageous decision to allow organ donation is acknowledged and honored.
In 2019, the state government established the State Organ & Tissues Transplant Organization (SOTTO) to streamline and facilitate the organ transplantation process.
To further encourage organ donation, the Odisha government introduced the ‘Suraj Puraskar’ in 2020. This award, named after Suraj from Bhanjanagar in Ganjam district, recognizes the transformative impact of organ donation. Suraj’s family, in a courageous decision during a challenging time, chose to donate vital organs, ultimately saving the lives of six individuals.
In appreciation of the noble act of organ donation, the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund allocates Rs 5 lakh to the relatives of organ donors. Additionally, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik personally honors the next of kin of organ donors on World Organ Donation Day, observed on August 13th every year.
This initiative not only pays tribute to the donors but also aims to foster a culture of empathy, compassion, and collective responsibility towards saving lives through organ donation.