More takers, less donors for liver

Despite the state government spreading awareness every year regarding the liver transplantation across the state, 382 liver transplant cases are pending across Maharashtra out of which 207 cases are in Mumbai. According to the doctors, the reason for pending cases is the less number of donor and lack of awareness among the people.

The World Liver Day is observed on April 19 to spread awareness on liver related diseases amongst the people. The liver is the second largest and the most complex organ of the body and it plays the key role in human digestive system. It can be easily damaged if proper care is not taken.

Everything we consume passes through the liver. It fights infections, regulates blood sugar, removes toxins, controls cholesterol, makes proteins and releases bile to help digestion. A senior doctor from Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy hospital said that the proper care should be taken of the liver as it is the very important organ of the human digestive system, “The liver helps in functioning of the body and to maintain cholesterol and body related infections. The foods we consume are passed through the liver and if proper care is not taken, the liver gets damaged,” added the doctor.

Satish Pawar, the Director of State Health Department said that the people are still afraid of liver transplants as the risk factor in transplant surgeries is high. “We are trying to create more awareness among public about liver and cadaver transplant,” added Pawar.

According to the doctors, in the last five years only 257 cadaver transplants have taken place across the state. This proves that people are still not aware that organ transplant can give a new life to an ailing person.

Dr. Avinash Supe, the Dean of King Edward Memorial hospital said, “Every year 25,000 patients need transplant but only 1500-2000 across state are lucky to get one. People need to know that there also are live related donors,” added Supe.