Body donation: Exemplary decision by Imas, CSO leaders
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: April 22, 2022 -

THE pledge taken by some respected women activists, who are commonly referred to as Imas (Mother), and leaders of civil society organisations to donate their bodies and vital organs after death to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal will not only facilitate the medical students to perfect their expertise but is likely to inspire others to follow suit.

The humane gestures of these social activists will also help the public to break the religious barriers and realise that even after death one's mortal remains and vital organs would be of great service to many individuals who are in desperate need of organ transplantation.

It is also commendable that the RIMS authorities have assured treatment and service facilities in the hospital free of cost to the donors whenever needed in acknowledgement of their pledge.

The organ donors namely
Nongpok Leingak Apunba Nupi Lup president Yumlembam Memma Leima,
general secretary Nongthombam Radhamani Leima,
All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association former vice president Haobam Premabati Leima,
social activists Haobam Ibotombi Singh and Lourembam Chanu Somola,
Manipur Peace and Integrity Council president Chungkham Romeo Singh and
United People's Front president Nongthombam Rupachandra
have been shouldering huge responsibility and taking proactive role in finding solution to various sensitive issues.

Thus, their decision to donate body and organs to further medical studies and give new lease of life to the patients in need deserved to be applauded for they have demonstrated that apart from fighting for rights of the indigenes they are equally determined to make their corpses useful.

Regardless of being at the forefront of many public uprisings, 85-year old Memma Leima is humble enough to comment that as she hasn't been able to fulfil her wish of serving the people for the betterment of Manipur she decided to donate her body as a whole to the institute for the benefits of mankind.

Such sense of humility in-spite of being a prominent woman leader for the past many decades suggests that CSO activists are indeed committed and have steely resolve to fight for others.

In a rather conservative society like ours, the pledge to donate their bodies unarguably testifies courage, bravery and dedication to the society for it is well known that without availability of lifeless bodies technological advancement in medical science wouldn't make much of a difference.

While donation of whole body is of utmost importance for medical institutions and students, individuals willing to share their organ or tissue when alive or after death will make immense difference to the recipients.

With many waiting for an organ transplant to live healthier, more productive lives, such acts of generosity and compassion for others will make a huge difference to those with end-stage organ failure.

Similarly, hundreds more lives will be improved through donation of vital organs, tissue, cornea, etc., for successful transplantation would help them move, see and live better.

Thus, it is hoped that the pledge by the Imas and CSO leaders will inspire others to support those in need of transplantation and encourage the medical institutions of the state to serve the society better.