The iconic Atal Setu bridge in Goa is illuminated in bright green today, to celebrate India’s National Organ Donation Day celebrated on 3/8/24 and to raise awareness about the cause of organ donation. The green light symbolises hope for those awaiting a second chance at life through transplantation. It serves as a poignant reminder of the men, women, and children who have died waiting for a life-saving organ and expresses gratitude to organ donors and their families for giving the supreme gift of life.
This initiative has been undertaken by the MOHAN Foundation and IMA (Indian Medical Association) Goa. Gabriel Pereira, the representative of the MOHAN Foundation in Goa states, “The idea of illuminating the Atal Setu bridge is to not only raise awareness about organ donation but also spark conversations about organ donation within families and communities. The bridge, a symbol of vital connection, now symbolises life-saving connections made possible through organ donation”.
“By lighting up Atal Setu in green, we hope to inspire more individuals to pledge their organs and provide the gift of life to those in need”, shared Dr. Shekhar Salkar, President of IMA Bicholim and Lions Club of Bicholim.
Presently, more than a million Indians suffer from end-stage organ failure, with less than 10% receiving timely help. A primary reason for the lengthy waiting lists for organ transplants is the lack of awareness about the possibility of organ donation after brain death, despite improving public awareness over the years said Dr. Sandesh Chodankar IMA Goa State President.
“Given India’s low organ donation rate of 0.64 per million population, one of the lowest in the world, there is a crucial need to sensitize the public and encourage them to discuss their organ donation wishes with their loved ones “quoted by Dr. Amol Mahaldar Nephrologist and Chairman organ donation cell IMA Goa.