Organ donation is the harvesting of an individual's organs after he or she dies for the purpose of transplanting them into another person. The person who gives the organs is called a donor while a person who receives the organ is called a recipient.

Anyone from a child to an old person can be a donor. Even if you had a serious illness in the past, you can still become a donor under the right circumstances.

Organs that can be harvested from a person for transplantation include lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, intestines and pancreas. These organs can be donated in case of brain stem death of a person whose organs are supported by an artificial support system. While certain tissues like corneas, heart valves, bones, skin, ligaments/tendons and veins can be donated.

Brain death results from a severe, irreversible injury to the brain. All areas of brain are damaged and no longer function due to which a person cannot sustain his/her own life, but vital body functions may be maintained by an artificial support system. This maintains circulation to vital organs long enough to facilitate organ donation. People who experience brain death also donate tissues.

Cardiac death results when the heart and breathing cease to function. All organs and tissues in the body suffer from lack of oxygen , circulation and die. People who experience cardiac death are able to donate tissues after death.

Coma is a state of deep unconsciousness that occurs because the brain is injured in some way. The brain still functions and this can be seen in the tests that are performed. The person will be able to breathe on his own without the respirator. The brain can heal in state of coma. While brain death is an irreversible condition which results from a severe brain injury or hemorrhage which causes all the brain activity to stop. This can happen after a major road accident or bleeding in the brain due to stroke.

Organs must be removed as soon as possible after the determination of brain death, while circulation is being maintained artificially. Tissues may be removed within 12 to 24 hours.

Yes. A living person can donate one of his/her kidneys, a part of liver, a part of pancreas only to his/her blood relatives according to the THO Act 1994 (Transplant of Human Organs Act 1994).

No. The doctors who work to save your life are not the same professionals who are involved in transplantation and organ donation. The organ recovery process starts only after all efforts to save your life have been exhausted and death has been legally declared.

No. The recovery of organs is carried out by well trained surgeons with greatest care and does not disfigure the body or its looks. Furthermore, donation does not alter or delay funeral arrangements.

The 'Transplant of Human Organs Act' prohibits any commercial dealing in organs and makes it a punishable offence

Most of the religious groups support the concept of organ donation. However, if you have any doubt, you can discuss it with your spiritual leader.

No. Donation costs nothing to the donor's family or estate. Organ and tissue donation is a gift. The family of a donor does not pay any charges for organ donation.

Once you decide to be an organ or tissue donor you need to register with SHATAYU as an organ donor. Carry your donor card along with you at all times. And most importantly, communicate with your family your wish to become an organ donor.

Yes. You can change your decision and withdraw to consent to be an organ donor. Just tear the donor card and deregister from SHATAYU's organ donor registry. Also, inform your family that you no longer wish to be an organ donor.