Sign up today. Be the reason someone’s tomorrow is brighter.

Organ donation ranks very high in the list of selfless acts we can commit to during our lifetime. Lack of awareness is a small contributor to the failure to sign up. Many others, despite the knowledge of its overwhelming benefits, still hesitate / fail to sign up. The decision to become an organ donor can be an intimidating one for some, but the truth is, it’s a choice that can change the lives of others and their families significantly.

Few reasons why we should all sign up for organ donation today.

1. It Costs Us Nothing, But Means Everything

Unlike other charitable acts, organ donation doesn’t involve any financial or any other commitment. There are no costs for either us, the donor, and no extra steps we need to take during our lifetime. The impact of our decision to sign up on others is priceless. We just need to consider the lives that we would save and the families who would be spared grief thanks to our decision.

2. One Donation Can Save Multiple Lives

When we sign up to become an organ donor, we give the gift of life to several others. Organs like the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, skin , eyes and bone can all be transplanted, saving people from illnesses and conditions that would otherwise lead to death or significant disability. By signing up, we impact not one, but 10 or more individuals and their families. For instance, your kidneys could save two lives, and your heart might give someone a chance to live a full life again.

Our decision to sign up is the difference between hope and despair for so many families. There are currently thousands of people on waiting lists for organ transplants, and many won’t survive without a transplant. Signing up for organ donation gives them that precious chance. Unfortunately, many of these people die before they can receive an organ.

3. Signing up is easy

Signing up for organ donation is incredibly easy. We can register through our respective State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (SOTTO) or the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO). Once we are register, it’s a decision that stays with us — unless we change our mind. The process is straightforward, free of charge, and completely confidential.

Many people worry about their organs being used before they are truly gone. Medical professionals are held to the highest ethical standards, and our health will always come first to them. Organ donation will only be considered once we are legally declared deceased. Organ donation / retreival is probably the most closely scrutinized and monitored medical activity a team of doctors / Institution undertakes.

4. A Way to Leave a Legacy of Love

When we decide to donate our organs, we leave behind more than just a physical legacy; we are offering a legacy of love, hope, and compassion. Even after we are gone, our selfless act will continue  to reverberate through the lives of the people we’ve helped. Organ donation is a way to make a lasting difference that goes beyond anything we could accomplish in a lifetime.

For the recipient of our organs, we become a symbol of generosity. A loved one’s organ transplant can mean years of life to someone struggling with illness — and our donation can literally extend their time with family, friends, and the world and have a positive impact on the lives of their families and children.

5. Overcome the Misconceptions

One of the biggest reasons people don’t sign up for organ donation is that we believe the myths surrounding it. We fear that our organs might not be used properly, others think our religion or beliefs prohibit donation. The truth is, organ donation is supported by many major religions, and medical professionals always ensure the proper and respectful use of donated organs.

Another common misconception is that organ donation will affect funeral arrangements. The reality is that organ donation does not alter the funeral process in any way. Your body will be treated with the utmost respect throughout the process. There will be a delay of about 24 to 36 hours in view of the strict processes involved in certifying death prior to organ donation. 

6. Be Part of Something Bigger Than Yourself

Signing up for organ donation is not just about saving a life — it’s about being part of a larger movement of compassion. It’s about joining the ranks of individuals who are willing to help others, even in their most vulnerable moments. It’s about giving hope to the hopeless, extending life to the sick, and making a real difference in a world that needs more kindness.

7. The Call for More Donors Is Real

There is a significant shortage of organ donors, and as medical technology improves, the demand for transplants is likely to increase exponentially. According to NOTTO, there are more than 300,000 people in need of life-saving organ transplants in India of which more than 1.75 Lakh people are waiting for a Kidney transplants. By signing up, we will be helping meet this demand. If just one in three of us sign up, we could eliminate the organ shortage and give every person on the waiting list a second chance.

8. It’s a Small Step That Has a Huge Impact

Signing up for organ donation takes only a few minutes, but the effect it can have on someone’s life is immense and long term. We could help a child live to see their 10th birthday. We could allow a mother to see her children get married and see her grandchildren.  We could give a father the ability to see his children grow up. This is the power of organ donation. It’s a small decision for you, but it could mean everything to someone else.

Conclusion: Make the Decision Today

Organ donation is one of the most impactful and selfless acts of kindness wevcan perform. It’s a way to save lives, offer hope, and leave behind a legacy that will inspire future generations. It costs us nothing and offers everything to those who need it the most. So, let’s take a moment today to sign up for organ donation. Our decision could be the one that saves a life and changes the world for someone else. Let us make the choice, and be a hero.

I signed up today. Please sign up today at https://notto.abdm.gov.in/register, and be a hero.

Dr. Somnath Chatterjee
MBBS,MD, FRCA, CCST, EDIC, FFICM
Director | Medical Director | Consultant Anaesthesia & Intensive Care