Punjab: 50 People Pledge to Donate Eyes in Kapurthala

The medical campaign organized by the Human Rights Press Club in Kapurthala, Punjab, India drew a massive turnout of patients and folks offering a range of unprecedented medical services. The event turned out to be a huge success with 50 individuals pledging to donate eyes during the eye donation camp.

The whole event involved various services for the public such as cancer check-ups, sugar tests, and even medicines, all free of cost. Additionally, blood donation and eye donation facilities were also arranged.

Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal highlighted the relevance of eye donation, stating that it benefits not only medical research but also helps provide the gift of sight to those in need. Through such an initiative, numerous people could experience the fortune of sight. He further underlined how such an event aids the society by providing free healthcare services without compromising the quality.

In such an occasion, we need to realize who all are eligible to donate eyes and the steps involved the process.

Eligibility For Eye Donation

Almost everyone could donate their eyes, regardless of their age, sex, blood group or religion. One major requirement of successful eye transplant is that the individual should donate the same within 6-8 hours of death.^[1] Even though folks with conditions such as cataract, hypertension, diabetes are allowed to donate their eyes, cornea of those who die of AIDS, Rabies, Jaundice, STD, Cancer (if cornea is affected by it) are not used for grafting. Instead, such corneas are utilized for research and practice purposes. ^[2]

Procedure of Eye Donation

The steps of eye donation begins with pledging of the donor by submitting a pledge card to an eye bank which is further contacted for the eye after the donor's death. However, eyes can be donated even if the deceased had not formally pledged their eyes during their lifetime. ^[1] Once the consent of the family member is obtained, the eyes are removed with 6-8 hours of death is tested for any issues, which is further transported in a sealed pack for transplantation process.

The medical camp was inaugurated by Municipal Commissioner Anupam Kaler a few days back in Kapurthala, a city in Punjab. The event is considered to be a massive success with around 2000 people utilizing the free check-up facility and a few signing consent for donating their body for the purpose of medical research. The presence of many saints from various faiths further added to the event’s significance.

References

1. Eye Bank Association of India. "Understanding Donation." Eye Bank Association of India, n.d. Accessed February 12, 2025. https://www.ebai.org/understanding-donation.

2. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Eye Donation FAQs. Accessed February 12, 2025. https://barc.gov.in/bmg/md/web/html/faq/eye_donation.pdf.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Jithin Paul/MSM)