Pune, January 2017: Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan, in partnership with National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) hosted an Organ Donation Awareness and Drive on January 18, 2017 at their premises. Nearly 200 people attended the event and so far it has witnessed 63 organ donation pledges (31.5%) and the count is still growing.
The event initiated with an awareness session conducted by Dr. Prof. Vimal Bhandari, Director, National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO). He briefed about the various aspects of Organ Donation and how Government is supporting in this humanitarian act through NOTTO.
Post session, there was one-to-one discussion with Dr. Prof. Vimal Bhandari and Mr. Nasir Shaikh, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan. Various important aspects were discussed and defined by Dr. Prof. Vimal Bhandari regarding how organ donation is conducted and how NOTTO functions.
There is a huge shortage of organs in India and patients die while on the waiting list as they do not get an organ on time. A brain-dead person’s vital organs can give a new lease of life to at least nine patients suffering from organ failure. Organ donation can literally give someone a second chance at life.
Various corporates like Minda Stoneridge, KTM and Tetra Pak along with Marriott sister hotel (Four Points by Sheraton) participated in this drive and took the organ donation pledge.
India is facing an acute shortage of organ donors due to the pervasiveness of myths and superstitions. According to a report by World Health Organization (WHO), only about 0.01% in India donates their organs after death, while in Western countries around 70-80% of the people pledge their organs.
“Committing to be an organ donor is about keeping humanity alive, a decision that keeps one alive even after death. It is a decision that will save many lives, give someone a second chance… maybe someone you know or care for…. I have already committed to be an organ donor, have you?” acknowledged Mr. Nasir Shaikh, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan.
