CHENNAI: The state convenor for the cadaver transplant program, Dr J Amalorpavanathan, was presented with a lifetime achievement award by Trust Hospital on the occasion of their annual day celebrations on Sunday.Dr Amalorpavanathan was selected for his conscientious efforts in promoting awareness on cadaver organ donation. Due to his efforts, the rate of transplants in Tamil Nadu is one of the highest in the country, the citation said.There have been more than 1,000 transplants since cadaver transplants were started in Tamil Nadu in 2008. Dr Amalorpavanathan said, “What I have been able to do is because I am part of a large chain of dedicated people working tirelessly for this cause. They participate because they can see the immense benefit to people.”Thanking his family for its support through the ups and downs of his job, Dr Amalorpavanathan also said, “As I speak, two cadaver transplants are going on in two different hospitals. This is what we have been able to achieve.” He also thanked the Director of Medical Education, Dr C Vamsadhara, for her support from the beginning of the program.Director of Trust Hospital, Dr M S Amaresan said, “The average rate of transplant in India is 0.08 per million. The rate of transplant in Tamil Nadu is 15 times this,” emphasising the extent of work done by Dr Amalorpavanathan and his team.Dr Vamsadhara, also present at the function, spoke about the importance and need of grief counselling for the family of potential donors. “Communication and body language of the counsellors is a powerful tool when they are talking to the family. Sometimes, with inexperienced counsellors, it is not a happy ending,” she said.Citing an incident where a blood bank counsellor had convinced a family in Vellore to come forward and donate their relative’s body, Vamsadhara said, “Although we needed the organs, there were no facilities. This has changed now.”S Parthasarathy, who facilitated the pre-transplant care of a 20-year-old patient who underwent a successful renal cadaver transplant, was felicitated. Managing trustee M A Kanyakumari spoke.The event was followed by the Continuing Nephrology Education Scientific Program - Nephrofeast 2011. Several renowned doctors spoke about cadaver transplantation, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension.
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