Hubballi: Dharwad has emerged as Karnataka’s leader in organ donation pledges, with 12,477 registrations, reflecting growing public awareness about the cause. Ballari ranks second with 11,197 pledges, while Gadag has recorded 5,741. Vijayapura has registered 2,955 pledges, Belagavi 2,929 and Dakshina Kannada 2,535, out of a total 66,885 organ donation pledges across the state.The district health department has spearheaded the campaign by integrating organ donation awareness into routine health camps and public events. The initiative complements nationwide efforts by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) under the Union ministry of health and family welfare.According to officials, the nationwide initiative launched by NOTTO in 2023 aims to educate the public about the life-saving potential of deceased organ donation. If a person is medically declared brain dead, hospitals can facilitate donation of organs and tissues, including the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, skin, blood vessels and eyes, subject to the donor’s pledge and the consent of family members.District health officer Dr Parashuram FK told TOI that awareness campaigns are being conducted across the district. During health camps and special events, many people are registering through online QR codes. Anyone can pledge organ donation through the official website, after which a pledge certificate is issued by the health department.He said health department officials have been consistently promoting organ donation at health melas, camps and other public programmes. While the number of pledges was initially low, sustained awareness campaigns have significantly improved participation by educating people about the life-saving benefits of organ donation.As part of its information, education and communication (IEC) strategy, the department highlights the positive impact of organ donation during public outreach programmes. In addition to health camps, officials are actively working with educational institutions and community organisations to spread awareness.Parashuram said a single deceased donor can save up to eight lives and improve the quality of life of many others. So far, organs from around 10 pledged donors have been successfully transplanted.
