Baramulla College holds awareness camp on organ, tissue donation

Baramulla, Oct 7: Govt Degree College Baramulla (Autonomous) organised an organ and tissue donation awareness programme on Monday, led by the college’s Cultural and Social Activities Committee in collaboration with the JK State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (JKSOTTO).

The programme, the second of its kind at the college, aimed to educate students and staff about the urgent need for organ donors in Jammu and Kashmir.

“There are many patients waiting for transplants and very few donors. People need to understand this reality and come forward,” said Dr Irfan Ahmad Lone, Coordinator JKSOTTO. He added that donations could be made during life or after death, stressing the transparency of the system.

Dr Omar Rashid, Corneal Transplant Surgeon and Medical Director at Perfect Vision Eye Hospital, explained cornea transplant requirements and demonstrated surgical techniques. “We rely entirely on natural organ and tissue donations; artificial creation is not possible,” he said, highlighting the critical need for donors.

Both doctors appreciated the college for hosting the programme, with Dr Omar noting, “This is the only college in Kashmir conducting a camp of this kind.”

Principal Prof M Shafi Lone urged society to encourage donations, calling it “a noble act that allows one to live beyond death.” He thanked the doctors and the organising committee, presenting tokens of gratitude to the visitors. JKSOTTO also awarded the college a certificate of recognition. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof Ishfaq-ur-Rehman and was hosted by Dr Aliya Ahmad.