Salman Khan: First Bone Marrow Donor of India

Even though donating blood marrow is a low-risk procedure for the donors, it can be a life-saving treatment for the patient. 

There are approximately 18,000 people who need transplants every year. 70% of these patients need a donor to meet their survival requirements. The importance and need for bone marrow donors are:

1. Donors play a critical role in transplantation by providing organs or tissues to individuals in need.

2. Organ transplantation offers a second chance at life for patients with failing organs or life-threatening conditions.

3. The organ demand far outweighs the available supply, resulting in long waiting lists and limited treatment options.

4. Becoming a donor can make a significant difference by saving lives and improving the quality of life for recipients.

5. Donating organs is a selfless act that can profoundly impact individuals, families, and communities.

6. Public awareness and participation in organ donation are crucial to meet the growing need for transplantation.

7. The gift of donation can bring hope, joy, and healing to those awaiting a transplant.

8. Every donor has the potential to transform lives and leave a lasting legacy of compassion and generosity.

Before becoming a donor, a person needs to meet certain criteria and eligibility. People with chronic health conditions are not allowed to become donors. The evaluation factors include: 

1. The age of the donor should be between 18 to 40 years.

2. No auto-immune diseases

3. Free from problems like asthma, osteoporosis, diabetes, etc.

4. No HIV or AIDS

5. Free from allergies and blood disorders.

Allocation of donors refers to determining which individuals on the transplant waiting list receive available organs or tissues. 

The allocation of the donor is done based on the closest blood cells or group matching with the patient. Matching is done on the basis of human leukocyte antigen. There are more than 100 HLA antigens. 

However, it is believed that for a successful transplant, the patient and the donor's antigens must match. In cases where these are not matched, the donor is not considered a good match. Certain factors are considered while allocating the transplantation:

1. Allocation is based on medical urgency, compatibility, and fairness.

2. Medical urgency is a primary consideration, as organs are typically allocated to patients with the most severe conditions or those at the greatest risk of organ failure.

3. Compatibility between the donor and recipient is crucial to minimise the risk of rejection and improve the chances of a successful transplant.

4. Fairness ensures that the allocation process is equitable and unbiased, considering factors such as time spent on the waiting list and medical needs.

5. Allocation policies may vary between countries or regions, but the goal is to maximise the benefit of each donated organ and save as many lives as possible.

6. The allocation process is overseen by transplant organisations and medical professionals, who follow established guidelines and prioritize patient well-being.

7. Regular evaluations and updates are conducted to refine allocation policies and address emerging ethical and medical challenges.

8. Public trust and transparency in the allocation process are vital to maintain the integrity of the transplant system and ensure that organs are allocated fairly and efficiently.

After donating bone marrow, the recovery process for donors typically begins with a period of rest and observation. The recovery process includes:

1. Donors may experience soreness, fatigue, or discomfort in the donation area, usually managed with pain medication and rest.

2. They must follow post-donation instructions provided by medical professionals, including any dietary restrictions or activity limitations.

3. Donors are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat nutritious foods, and stay hydrated to support recovery.

4. Regular check-ups and follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the donor's well-being and ensure a smooth recovery.

5. The body's bone marrow replenishes naturally over time, and donors usually return to normal activities within a few weeks to a few months.

There are several organizations for bone marrow donors in India. Some of the most prominent ones include : 

1. Marrow Donor Registry India 

2. Indian Stem Cell Donor Registry

3. National Marrow Donor Program

4. DATRI

According to DATRI, the blood stem cells donors registry, there are about 5,23,487 donors who are registered for blood stem cell donation. Any healthy person who is between the age of 18 to 50 can register as a donor and contribute to this life-saving treatment.

Bone marrow donation is a generous life-saving procedure that provides hope to all those suffering from various blood disorders. Popular Bollywood actor Salman Khan donated his bone marrow to a girl named Pooja in 2010. His courage inspired others and paved the way for advancements in bone marrow transplantation in India.

At Hexahealth, we aim to enlighten you toward a sound medical journey.  Connect with us now to know more about bone marrow-related questions and medical advice.

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