News
‘Brain dead’ accident victims’ kidneys to save lives: Health Ministry pilot project
The time has come for driving licences to indicate the driver’s willingness to donate his/her kidneys in the event of death by accident. In Australia
Consultants with Kandy General & Teaching Hospital, Deputy Director, Dr Nissanka Wijewardene at a news discussion
it is in place said Dr. Anura Abeysinghe, coordinator of a pilot project, at a discussion held under the auspices of the Health Ministry.
Dr. Abeysinghe said that in 2014 alone there were 2,400 road deaths, while this year it is projected to be 2,700, according to police. Of these fatalities, the kidneys of 40% of them could have been used to save the lives of those urgently in need of them.
Dr. Abeysinghe said the funeral arrangements of the deceased whose kidneys were removed, would be taken care of.
The discussion was chaired by Dr. Nissanka Wijewardene, Deputy Director of Kandy General and Teaching Hospital, where this Pilot Project was launched.
Consultant Transplant Surgeon Dr P.K. Harischandra said only persons who are ‘brain dead’ would be used for these transplants, where the consent of the next-of-kin would be obtained, and a series of tests conducted to confirm the victim is ‘brain dead’.
Consultant Nephrologist Dr A.W.M. Wazil said patients undergo continuous dialysis, due to insufficient kidneys for transplant.
Anesthetist Dr Chandana Navaratne explained the procedure to be adopted in the case of ‘brain dead’ persons, who would be donors, with every precaution being taken to be absolutely certain the victim is ‘brain dead’.
Querries on the pilot project could be obtained by calling 0773 649 405, 0776 662 966 or 0716 158 986.
Consultant Transplant Surgeon and Vascular Dr Charita Fernando and Consultant Nephrologist Dr Nisantha Nanayakkara were also involved in the discussions.