Department of Pharmacology, MCOPS, Centre for Digital Learning (CDL), MAHE, and Rotary Club, Manipal, jointly organized the One-Day Symposium on Blood and Organ Donation on 01 August 2022 at P Gundu Rao Conference Hall. Dr. Yogendra Nayak, the convener of the symposium, gave an overview of the program.

The event was inaugurated by the Chief guest, Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. Guest of honor, Rotarian, District Governor, Dr. Jayagowry Hadigal, a Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Sonia Clinics Manipal, and Rotarian Renu Jayaram, President, Rotary Club Manipal with Principal, Dr. C Mallikarjuna Rao and Vice principal Dr. K M Bhat by lighting the lamp. Dr. Shetty delivered an informative speech with a powerful message on blood and organ donation to the young audience. Rotarian Dr. Jayagowry gave a passionate speech about the importance of signing up to be a donor. She made it a point to leave within the hearts of the audience a drive to give back. Rotarian Renu Jayaram spoke about donation and awareness. The inaugural program was concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Nayak.

The symposium was live streamed online on YouTube, which was coordinated by Dr. Anoop Kishore, the co-convener of the symposium. More than 150 participants had registered from different parts of India.

There were four talks by eminent speakers. Dr. Shamee Shastry, Professor and Head, Department of Immunohematology and Transfusion, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, spoke about the basics of blood transfusion, including eligibilities, method, and complications. She concluded her talk with many fascinating questions after her speech. Ms. Preethi, Transplant coordinator and Nurse Practitioner in the Critical Care division of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, held an interactive session and spoke about organ donation with touching stories from successful organ recipients. An interactive session with an organ recipient and donor followed the second talk on behalf of the Rotary Club of Manipal. Mr. Sandeep – the son of organ recipient Ms. Licy from Kundapura, gave a moving speech about how much his mom's sickness had affected the family and gave everyone an insight into what it feels like to be part of their journey. Dr. Prasanna, Professor, and Head, Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, about body donation to the field of science. He made several points regarding the ethics, legality, pros, and cons of body donation to science. The day's final talk was given by Dr. Archana M V, an Assistant Professor, and Clinical Coordinator for Hemophilia Treatment Centre, Dept of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, KMC Manipal. Dr. Archana's talk covered various topics about hemophilia, from treatment methods to debunking myths.

The One-Day Symposium on Blood and Organ Donation ended successfully in the evening, leaving a good message to the audience.

Click here to view photos.