Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today praised the relentless efforts of medical professionals and institutions in saving lives, emphasizing the significance of organ and tissue donation. He was speaking at the inaugural session of SAMAGAM-2025, a two-day event organized by the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), New Delhi, in collaboration with the State Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (SOTTO), J&K, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC).
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Chief Minister commended the exemplary work of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, and GMC Jammu in advancing kidney and corneal transplant procedures. He urged these institutions to intensify efforts toward initiating cadaveric organ donation in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that more lives could be saved through medical advancements.
Call for Wider Awareness and Institutional Support
Emphasizing the need for greater awareness and societal acceptance of organ donation, CM Abdullah suggested that medical experts collaborate with religious scholars and community leaders to foster informed discussions and dispel misconceptions surrounding the issue. He assured full government support in strengthening healthcare institutions to promote a healthier society and facilitate organ donation programs.
Additionally, the Chief Minister addressed the growing concerns of self-medication, lifestyle diseases, and physical inactivity, urging people to embrace healthier habits.
Felicitation of Organ Donation Ambassadors
During the event, CM Abdullah honored several ambassadors of organ and tissue donation from Kashmir, recognizing their contributions to this noble cause. The family of late Dr. Manzoor Ahmed, former Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at GMC Srinagar and a renowned eye surgeon, was felicitated for donating his eyes posthumously. His colleagues, Dr. Khurshid Ahmed and Dr. Seema Mian, facilitated the donation.
Furthermore, Heenu Mushtaq, a kidney transplant recipient who continues to lead a healthy life, was also honored for inspiring others with her journey.
Expert Deliberations and National Participation
The event featured in-depth discussions on various aspects of organ donation and transplantation, including:
- The present scenario of organ donation in India
- Evolution of cadaveric organ donation and transplantation
- Religious perspectives, including Islam and organ/tissue donation
- Strategies for advancing cadaveric organ donation in J&K
Prominent dignitaries present included Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Government of India; Dr. Anil Kumar, Director of NOTTO, New Delhi; Dr. Ashraf Ganai, Director of SKIMS; Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal of GMC Srinagar; and Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal of GMC Jammu.
Delegates from various Regional and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (ROTTOs and SOTTOs) across the country participated in the event, representing states such as Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Odisha, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, and Sikkim.
The Way Forward
SAMAGAM-2025 is expected to be a turning point in Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare sector, paving the way for enhanced organ donation programs and ensuring that medical science continues to be a beacon of hope for patients in need. With the government’s commitment and collaborative efforts from experts, J&K is set to embrace a future where organ donation becomes a well-established and life-saving practice.
