A team from the MOHAN Foundation, comprising Dr. Sunil Shroff (Managing Trustee), Ms. Pallavi Kumar (Executive Director),       Ms. Laishram Monica Devi (Programme Officer) along with Prof. Deepak Gupta (Department of Neurosurgery, AIIMS Delhi) visited Tripura in January 2025. The primary objective of the visit was to assist the state government in initiating a deceased organ donation program by conducting a series of discussions, workshops, and meetings with key stakeholders.

Ms. Pallavi Kumar explaining the significance of organ donation promotional materials to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tripura Dr. Manik Shah

On January 29, 2025, a workshop titled "Strengthening Organ Donation & Transplantation" was organized for the first time in Tripura to introduce the concept of organ donation to key stakeholders. The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the importance of deceased organ donation in the region. Dr. Sankar Chakraborti, Medical Superintendent & HOD of AGMC & GB Pant Hospital, opened the session by providing an overview of the hospital's journey in living donor renal transplantation. He emphasized the urgent need for deceased organ donation to address the growing demand for organs. The session was followed by an address from the Secretary of the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Tripura, who highlighted the state's commitment to improving healthcare and expanding transplant services.

Dr. Sunil Shroff, Prof. Deepak Gupta, and Ms. Pallavi Kumar were key speakers at the workshop, elaborating on the importance of deceased organ donation and the pathway involved. The session also included a hands-on activity, allowing participants to engage with the practical aspects of the deceased donation process. A panel discussion on “Deceased Organ Donation in Tripura: The Way Forward,” moderated by Dr. Shroff, provided an opportunity for participants to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the state. The workshop saw nearly 60 stakeholders in attendance, including healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, police officials, and media representatives.

Later in the day, a high-level meeting was convened at the Chief Minister's War Room to discuss the steps needed to strengthen organ donation and transplantation in Tripura. Chaired by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Shah, the meeting included key stakeholders from the state government and healthcare sector. Shri Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Tripura, welcomed the MOHAN Foundation team and acknowledged the support of Shija Hospitals & Pvt. Ltd. in facilitating the living donor transplant program in the region. He also provided an overview of Tripura's healthcare system and its connectivity to other cities, which could support the expansion of organ donation services.

Dr. Sunil Shroff presented a detailed roadmap for initiating a deceased organ donation program in Tripura. His presentation focused on the importance of training, infrastructure development, and creating awareness to ensure the program's success. In his address, the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Dr. Manik Shah, expressed full support for the deceased organ donation initiative. He emphasized the necessity of such a program for the state, particularly to address the critical shortage of organs for transplantation. He assured the MOHAN Foundation and all stakeholders of the government's commitment to advancing the cause.

The visit concluded with a shared sense of optimism and commitment from both the MOHAN Foundation and the Tripura government. The discussions and collaborative efforts have laid a strong foundation for the successful initiation of the deceased organ donation program, with all parties eager to work together to bring this life-saving initiative to fruition in Tripura.

Dr. Sunil Shroff handing over the Indian Transplant Newsletter to Shri Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Health & Family Welfare, Government of Tripura

Meeting at the Chief Minister's War Room