Organ Donation Myths Busted: Know the Facts

Organ donation offers a second chance at life, yet misinformation causes hesitation among many Indians. Doctors and the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) are working to dispel common fears and provide clear facts.

Treatment and organ retrieval are separate; a medical team's focus is always on saving a patient's life. Organ donation is only considered after death is formally declared through prescribed medical and legal procedures. Brain-stem death, distinct from a coma, is irreversible and legally recognized as death in India.

Contrary to popular belief, age is not an automatic disqualifier for deceased organ donation. Medical suitability is assessed individually at the time of death. Furthermore, a donor card alone does not authorize organ retrieval; the consent of the appropriate relative or legal guardian is a crucial part of the process.

Organ donation is viewed as a noble act across religions, and bodies are treated with dignity after organ retrieval. Normal funeral rites can proceed, and only viable organs are recovered without disfigurement.