PANAJI: Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday pledged to donate his kidney, liver and cornea during an organ donation programme organised by BJP’s medical cell, here. People should come forward to donate organs to save lives, he said.
"I have donated three organs, but not my heart. I am not giving my heart as Goa is in my heart," Sawant said.
The CM said that liver and heart transplants will soon start in the state. Stating that there is a huge need of kidney donors for transplant, Sawant said everyday one person is put on dialysis in Goa.
There are 46 people waiting to receive a kidney donation for transplant, he said.
"Anyone who has completed 18 years of age can donate their organs. In Goa, there is a huge demand for kidney transplants. The state government has started dialysis units at various locations in the state," the CM said.
"The state government decided to allow the kidney transplants through medical reimbursement and Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY). At present, kidney transplant procedures are conducted at the GMC and the state government wants to authorise other centres under the DDSSY to carry out kidney transplants," the CM said.
He said that the state government will take all steps to provide quality health to the people of the state.
Sawant said that an eye donation bank will soon start at the Goa Medical College (GMC), Bambolim.
He said that organ harvesting procedures have been successfully completed at the GMC.
