1,118 pledge their bodies at the PGI till date
In fact, the changing profile of persons coming forward to donate their bodies seems to be an encouraging sign for the PGI authorities. “A majority of the people pledging their bodies includes elderly, who otherwise are considered orthodox and conservative. Now it seems people have started shedding their inhibitions and discarding myths in this regard to come forward for this noble cause,” said Prof Daisy Sahni, head, department of anatomy, PGI.
Till a few years back, body donation was considered to be a taboo, as is evident from the figures available. The number of body donations at the anatomy department was only 27 in 2006-07.
Those pledging their bodies now come forward from all sections of society, including old as well as young. Gurdit Singh, a resident of Sector 49, who donated his body in November 2010, was inspired by his 15-year-old granddaughter, Harmanpreet Kaur, who pledged her body before she died of thalassaemia.
The number of body donations has also shown a corresponding increase in the recent years. While 11 bodies have already been received by the department this year, the number was as high as 20 last year. In 2008-09, the PGI received only six bodies.
Interestingly, this is in contrast to 2004 when the PGI received its first cadaver in 20 years.
Want to donate body?
The body, along with a death certificate, declaration of death certificate can be transported within three-five hours of the person’s death to the department of anatomy, PGIMER, Chandigarh, or to any other nearby medical college or institute.
Those wanting to pledge or donate their bodies can contact 0172-2755201, 2755202 (9 am to 5 pm); 0172-2706478/ 9914208202 after 5 pm; emergency reception: 0172-2746018, 2756565 (24 hours).
SRC.http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110705/cth1.htm#10
Those wanting to pledge or donate their bodies can contact 0172-2755201, 2755202 (9 am to 5 pm); 0172-2706478/ 9914208202 after 5 pm; emergency reception: 0172-2746018, 2756565 (24 hours).
SRC.http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110705/cth1.htm#10
