Special lecture on “Social work, Organ donation and Transplantation”

The Department of social work In collaboration with Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru had organized a Special lecture on “Social work, Organ donation and Transplantation” on 15th September For 1st and 2nd year social work students. Dr. Patricia Namitha Maria Viego (Social work Manager) was the resource person.

The special talk on organ donation and transplantation in social work provided a platform for students to engage in a meaningful dialogue about the critical importance of organ donation and transplantation. It was an opportunity to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities that social workers face in this domain.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Understanding Organ Donation and Transplantation: The event began with an informative presentation that introduced the basics of organ donation and transplantation. It covered topics such as the different types of organ transplants, the need for organ donors, and the process of matching donors with recipients.
2. Social Work and Organ Donation: The keynote speaker highlighted the vital role that social workers play in the organ donation and transplantation process. They emphasized the need for social workers to provide emotional support to both donors and recipients, facilitate communication between all parties involved, and ensure that ethical and legal considerations are addressed.
3. Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas: The talk delved into the challenges and ethical dilemmas that social workers may encounter in organ donation and transplantation. These include issues related to consent, the allocation of organs, and cultural considerations. The speaker emphasized the importance of ethical decision-making in such complex situations.
4. Promoting Organ Donation: Strategies for promoting organ donation were discussed, including raising awareness in communities, dispelling myths and misconceptions, and encouraging people to register as organ donors. Social workers were encouraged to take an active role in these efforts.

Activity: A Questionnaire was distributed to the students, encompassing inquiries related to their personal experiences, Attitude, Knowledge about Organ donation.

The students were divided into two groups for the purpose of conducting a role play about organ donation. Each and every student exhibited active and enthusiastic participation throughout the role play.

The special talk on organ donation and transplantation in social work served as a valuable platform for learning and collaboration, contributing to the broader mission of saving lives through organ donation. It is recommended that similar events continue to be organized to further raise awareness and promote best practices in this vital field.

Resource person: Dr. Patricia Namitha Maria Viego, Social work manager, Apollo hospital, Banneragatta road Bengaluru. BA (Eng. Lit); MSW (Med & Psychiatry); M.Phil (PSW), PhD in PSW

Dr, Patricia has received her doctorate in Psychiatric social work from NIMHANS, Bengaluru. With an intensive research in Organ donation Social work, she has worked as Senior Transplant Coordinator, ZCCK, JEEVASARTHAKATHE, Government of Karnataka. She has given many talks in educational institutions, seminars and corporate sectors on awareness on organ donation and transplantation. She joined Mahajana PG centre as assistant professor of social work for a short time and moved to St. John’s hospital bengaluru as social welfare officer. Currently, she works as Social work manager, Apollo hospital, Banneragatta road Bengaluru.