Anupriya Patel inaugurates symposium cum exhibition on organ donation

The symposium brought together about 350 students and allied health workers from institutions in Delhi and focused on healthy lifestyle and organ donation

Anupriya Patel, Minister of State, Health and Family Welfare inaugurated a symposium cum exhibition on ‘Dialogue with Organs for Allied Health Force – A step to enhance cognitive skills’, organised by the Department of Anatomy at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital recently.

Speaking at the function, Patel stated that it is imperative to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid habits which in the long run will pose as a health hazard. “Only when all the members of our society will be aware of a healthy lifestyle and of the necessity of avoiding unhealthy practices, can we achieve ‘Health for All’,” she said. Patel also administered the oath to the students and participants for adopting health lifestyle. Dr S Venkatesh, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) and Gayatri Mishra, Joint Secretary were also present at the event.

Patel further stated that organ donation and body donation is one of the noblest things that one can do. She added that healthy lifestyle and organ donation are infact interconnected. “Only when one has healthy organs, can he or she lead a healthy life, and can be eligible for organ donation,” she emphasised. She also reiterated the need for empowering oneself with knowledge to attain professional competency and appreciated the unique initiative of the Department. “This platform of interaction of the eager learners with renowned experts in different fields will go a long way to create awareness and clear certain concepts in their mind,” she added.

The highlight of the symposium was the exhibition on pathological effect on human organs which displayed normal, preserved human organs and pathological specimen of human liver, lungs, large and small intestine to lay specific emphasis on the effects of smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse, drink-and-drive and unhealthy lifestyle displayed through scientific posters.

The participants were informed on the importance of healthy organs for organ donation. This is the second time that such a symposium has been organised by Department of Anatomy at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital for the allied health workers. The event was supported by the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

Also present at the event were, Dr Rajendra Sharma, Medical Superintendent of VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, Dr Mangala Kohli, the Head of the Department of Anatomy along with other senior officers of the health ministry.