Meet Dubai expat who gave wife second chance at life through organ donation
Back in 2017, Amit Arora was also living a normal family life, until one day his wife, Ruchi, was suddenly diagnosed with jaundice. But then her condition quickly deteriorated and doctors stated she needed a liver transplant urgently.
Amit immediately offered to donate a portion of his liver. "I knew I had to help. Without skipping a beat, I said to my daughter. It was supported by saving her life and whatever it took, and he added anyway," Amit said.
Today, Amit and Ruchi are both healthy in Dubai, thanks to the transplant that saved his life. Despite the open heart surgery Amit also maintained his own fitness and Ruchi has been doing great too.
Recalling the decision, Amit said it changed his life completely. This is a crucial point to note that organ donation can save several lives and give people a second chance to live a normal and healthy life. Everyone needs to think about it, perhaps we all need to think particularly after our death.
He said: "I am proud my decision benefitted Ruchi and I hope others are inspired to consider ways they can change things too.
As soon as the people around him started realizing why he had made that selfless decision, their questions turned into respect and admiration. Amit said, "'It wasn't just the surgery -- it was the opportunity to live.
Legacy of giving
Amit did not stop there with his support for organ donation — Ruchi received his transplant just days after his father-in-law agreed to donate his eyes before he died. Amit's family ensured that his eyes were donated, as he wished, carrying on a legacy of giving.
Today, Arora continues to be a champion of organ donation. I am also dutifully pledging my organs, when I die, too. Even if just one life is saved as a consequence of my decision, then it will be worth making, he said.
The UAE recorded the most registrations to donate organs in one hour.
Hayat means life in Arabic was launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) in September 2020 as the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues.
ORU in the UAE, is 4.2 is one of the highest globally.
Way to help others
Likewise, Suchitra, 48, a housewife who has lived in the UAE for more than 21 years, has committed to donating her organs when she dies.
As Suchitra explained the motive behind this initiative, “It is not just about leaving our body behind, it is about giving others the opportunity to live in us by donating our organs.” She said: “It is a gift of life and as I see, God will give us some blessings when we do such acts of kindness.
She says her entire family is on her side, even her husband is an organ donor too. The two are also frequent blood donors, which also reflects their commitment to giving.
Suchitra has vowed to donate all her organs, and any part of her body that can save lives
Giving back to society
Likewise, Rohit Garg, CFO of Al Habtoor Group aged 49, has pledged to being an organ donor, believing it to be an "amazing contribution" to society.
I committed to give because I believe in service to the community. If my organs can allow someone to see or breathe or just live a little longer (I was going to say, live a little longer happy, but what the heck does that mean anyway), I think this somehow makes sense. The thought of being able to save lives even after I have gone is a very powerful and fulfilling thought, he said.
Rohit/Organ donation is an important aspect of the community. “It provides someone with a second chance at life. One donor can save many lives, and as such, it is a benevolent act. I invite everyone to think about this gift — it is an easy choice to make which can provide hope to numerous families.
Again, very hard from his family to accept, but they did understand that it was coming from a place of kindness. “It took some discussions but they now respect my decision of donating my organs post-death,” said Rohit.
His organ donation promise in the face of death could still save lives in the future.
All residents of UAE that meet at least 18 years of age could register for organs donation after brain death through Hayat programme by holding an Emirates ID.
Once registration is complete, the applicant will be issued an electronic donor card. Individuals who are willing can register through the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) website: https://mohap.gov.ae/en/services/social/organ-donation
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