Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha urged citizens to pledge organ donation, calling it the highest form of humanity. On Organ Donation Day, he highlighted the state’s transplant capabilities and urged collective action to boost awareness. Kidney transplants are now possible in Tripura, with liver transplants planned soon.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday highlighted the life-saving potential of organ donation, describing it as one of the greatest humanitarian acts. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of a walkathon organized to mark the 15th Organ Donation Day at Amrakunja, Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala, Dr. Saha called upon the people of Tripura to come forward and pledge their organs to save lives.
“There can be no greater humanitarian service than saving another person’s life through organ donation,” Dr. Saha said. “One donor has the potential to save up to eight or nine lives even after death by donating vital organs like kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart.”
The event, attended by medical professionals, students, civil society members, and officials, aimed to raise awareness about the need and significance of organ donation. The Chief Minister emphasized that while awareness about organ donation is gradually increasing in India, the country still lags behind many others in actual donation rates.
He attributed this gap to a lack of public awareness and the general hesitation among people to discuss or commit to organ donation. “We must work together to change this mindset,” Dr. Saha urged. “We need to engage communities, health workers, youth groups, and the media to build a movement that fosters awareness and acceptance of organ donation.”
Advancing Health Infrastructure in Tripura
Highlighting the progress in the state’s medical infrastructure, Dr. Saha, who is also a practicing dental surgeon, proudly shared that Tripura now has the capability to perform kidney transplants within the state. This marks a significant step forward in reducing dependency on out-of-state medical care and makes life-saving treatments more accessible to patients within Tripura.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister informed that the government is actively working to introduce liver transplantation services in the state. A critical milestone toward this goal was the establishment of the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (SOTTO) in 2023. The organization plays a key role in policy formation, donor coordination, and training healthcare providers in transplant procedures.
“Our health system is evolving, and we are committed to making Tripura self-reliant in advanced healthcare. This includes strengthening infrastructure, human resources, and spreading awareness about health and wellness,” Dr. Saha stated.
Honouring the Real Heroes
Dr. Saha took a moment to pay heartfelt tribute to the organ donors and their families, calling them “true heroes of humanity.” He said their courage and compassion provide hope to many families in distress, allowing patients to receive a second chance at life.
“These families, even in their moments of deepest grief, choose to give others a chance to live. Their strength and sacrifice should inspire us all,” he said.
A Coordinated Call for Action
The event saw the participation of several prominent figures from Tripura’s medical community. Among those present were Dr. Shankar Chakraborty, Medical Superintendent of GBP Hospital, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, and Dr. Anup Kumar Saha, Principal of Agartala Government Medical College.
They echoed the Chief Minister’s call for greater awareness and pledged to intensify campaigns within hospitals, medical colleges, and rural areas to encourage more people to register as organ donors.
Health Secretary Kiran Gitte also emphasized the need to incorporate organ donation education into medical training and public health messaging. “When doctors and healthcare workers lead by example, the community follows,” he said.
The Road Ahead
As Tripura moves toward becoming a regional hub for critical healthcare services, including transplants, the government’s focus is clear — build capacity, spread awareness, and create a supportive ecosystem for organ donation.
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Dr. Saha concluded his speech with a powerful message: “Let us not wait until tragedy strikes close to home. Let us be the reason someone else lives. Organ donation is not just a medical decision — it is a moral one.”
