In a country that is globally recognized for seeing health as a seva and considering its health professionals as life saviours, we can similarly create “seva bhav” by donating organs and make a mindshift in our countrymen towards eye and organ donation, says Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya during the 37th National Eye Donation Fortnight celebrations at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

Celebrations was organized from 25th August - 8th September, 2022 by National Eye Bank housed in Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi for promoting awareness regarding eye donation, felicitating the donor families, government and non-government organizations for their crucial role towards this noble cause. 

Understanding the importance of eye donation, he stated that organ donation provides quality life to the recipient and a sense of satisfaction for the donor families.

Dr. Mandaviya expressed his heartfelt thanks to the donor families for their noble deed of donating corneas of their loved ones which will give the gift of vision to the needy patients.

The Union Health Minister said, "Despite having rich knowledge and defined responsibility, there has been less than expected response towards organ donation from our citizens. There needs to be a behavioral shift towards organ donation in the country. I urge everyone to spread awareness about this through Jan Andolan.”

He hoped that this realization and steps would lead to a significant progress towards boosting organ donation in the country.

Highlighting Government’s effort towards this cause, Dr. Mandaviya said that the Government of India is working towards a robust and systematic work structure for boosting organ donation and efficiently achieving the targets.

He appreciated efforts of the National Eye Bank and other stakeholders towards corneal transplantation, awareness programs, and making related services further accessible to the common public.