Excerpts

KNS: Dr. Wani, kidney transplants have become a crucial medical procedure. How is Jammu and Kashmir performing in this field?

Dr. Wani: Over the past few years, Jammu and Kashmir has made significant progress in kidney transplants. More than 700 kidney transplants have been performed, and our institutions, including Government Medical Colleges in Srinagar and Jammu, have been actively involved. However, most of these transplants are from live donors, usually family members.

KNS: Live donor transplants are common, but cadaver or deceased donor transplants remain rare. Why is that?

Dr Wani: The biggest challenge is awareness. Many people don’t understand the concept of brainstem death, which occurs when a patient is clinically dead but their organs remain viable. In developed countries, organ retrieval from brain-dead donors is a routine practice, but in India, and particularly in J&K, there is hesitation due to religious and social concerns.

KNS: What steps are needed to increase deceased donor transplants in J&K?

Dr Wani: Firstly, there needs to be a widespread awareness campaign. People must understand that one deceased donor can save up to eight lives by donating kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, eyes, and even hands. Secondly, hospitals need better infrastructure, including ventilators and trained transplant teams. Thirdly, religious and ethical debates must be addressed so that people feel comfortable pledging their organs.

KNS: You mentioned religious concerns. Is organ donation permissible in Islam and other faiths?

Dr Wani: Absolutely. Many religious scholars have supported organ donation, stating that saving a life is one of the greatest deeds. Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and other faiths recognize the importance of helping others, and many countries with Muslim-majority populations have thriving organ donation programs. The misconception that organ donation is not allowed must be countered with proper education.

KNS: If cadaver transplants are the future, what message do you have for policymakers and the public?

Dr Wani: Policymakers must prioritize establishing a structured deceased donor program in J&K. This includes legal frameworks, public awareness, and hospital preparedness. As for the public, I urge everyone to consider organ donation. A simple decision today can save multiple lives in the future. If we don’t act now, many patients with organ failure will continue to suffer unnecessarily.

KNS: Finally, do you see J&K becoming a leading region in organ transplantation?

Dr Wani: With the right policies, awareness, and medical advancements, there is great potential. The progress we have made so far is commendable, but we need to move towards a future where organ transplants are not limited to live donors but also include a robust deceased donor program. The people of J&K are compassionate, and I believe that once awareness spreads, more will come forward to pledge their organs and save lives.

KNS: Dr. Wani, how has organ transplantation evolved in Jammu & Kashmir, and what are the major challenges?

Dr Wani: Organ transplantation has come a long way in Jammu & Kashmir, with over 700 successful kidney transplants in recent years. However, we still face significant challenges, primarily due to a shortage of organs. Most transplants performed here are live-related transplants, meaning they come from family members. Unfortunately, cadaver transplants—where organs are donated after brain death—are still rare due to a lack of awareness and misconceptions.

KNS: What steps can be taken to promote cadaver transplants in J&K?

Dr Wani: The key is awareness. A single cadaver donor can save up to eight lives by donating their kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, and other organs. In many cases, brainstem death occurs due to road accidents or hemorrhages, but due to a lack of organ donation culture, these precious organs go to waste. We need to educate people that organ donation is permitted in many religions, including Islam, and that it is an act of saving lives. If a proper system is in place, we can reduce the dependence on live donors and address the shortage.

KNS: Can people from J&K get transplants outside the region under government schemes?

Dr Wani: Yes, patients from J&K can get transplants at any empaneled center across India under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, also known as the 'Golden Card.' This covers transplantation costs, ensuring that financial constraints don’t prevent people from accessing life-saving procedures. However, we are also working to strengthen J&K’s own healthcare system so that more transplants can happen within the region.

KNS: What are some key health risks that lead to kidney failure?

Dr Wani: Kidney disease is a growing concern, and many people ignore the early warning signs. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, and uncontrolled diabetes. People experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Overuse of painkillers and self-medication with NSAIDs (like certain common pain relief drugs) also contribute to kidney damage.

KNS: Drug addiction has been a growing concern in Kashmir. How does it impact kidney health?Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Dr Wani: Drug addiction is a silent killer, not just for the brain but for vital organs like the kidneys and liver. In J&K, an increasing number of youth between the ages of 8 to 14 are falling into drug abuse, which can lead to irreversible organ damage. If we don’t act now, we will face a severe health crisis. Families, law enforcement, and society as a whole must come together to fight this menace.

KNS: What message do you have for parents and society regarding health awareness?

Dr Wani: Parents must educate their children about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Schools should incorporate awareness programs about kidney health, organ donation, and the dangers of drug abuse. Early intervention can prevent life-threatening conditions and ensure a healthier future for the next generation.

KNS: What needs to be done to improve transplant facilities in J&K?

Dr Wani: While we have made progress, we still need more specialized centers equipped for organ transplantation. Existing medical institutions should upgrade their facilities, and more nephrologists and urologists should be trained in handling transplant cases. A well-organized, regulated system for organ donation and transplantation will make a significant difference.

KNS: Dr. Wani, you've performed over 700 kidney transplants. Can you give us an overview of organ transplantation in J&K?

Dr Wani: Yes, we have made significant progress in kidney transplants. However, organ transplantation remains a challenge due to the lack of awareness and infrastructure. Most transplants in J&K are live-related, meaning a family member donates a kidney to the patient. Unfortunately, cadaver transplants—where organs are retrieved from brain-dead donors—are rare due to cultural and religious concerns.

KNS: What’s the way forward for increasing transplants in J&K?

Dr Wani: The biggest challenge is the shortage of organs. The only way to increase transplants is to promote cadaver donations. Every year, thousands of people die in road accidents and brain hemorrhages, and their organs could save multiple lives. One cadaver donor can save up to eight lives by donating their kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, and corneas. We need more ventilators in hospitals to keep potential donors stable until organ retrieval. Additionally, the concept of brainstem death should be better understood and accepted by the public. If we can implement a strong cadaver transplant program, J&K can meet its demand for organs without depending on live donors.

KNS: Kidney disease cases seem to be rising. What are the main causes?

Dr Wani: Kidney failure is primarily caused by lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and drug abuse. These non-communicable diseases damage kidney function over time. Unregulated use of painkillers (NSAIDs) is also a major factor. People must understand that prevention is better than cure. If we control diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, we can significantly reduce kidney failure cases.

KNS: What advice would you give to prevent kidney diseases?

Dr Wani: The key is early detection and lifestyle modification. People should Monitor their blood sugar and blood pressure regularly, Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet, avoid excessive use of painkillers and unprescribed drugs, Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and go for regular kidney function tests, especially if they have diabetes or hypertension
If diagnosed early, kidney disease progression can be slowed or even stopped with proper treatment.

KNS: There have been complaints about inadequate healthcare facilities in J&K. What are the biggest issues?

Dr Wani: The main issue is the doctor-patient ratio. The number of patients is increasing, but the number of qualified nephrologists and urologists is very low. This shortage leads to long waiting times and inadequate treatment in many hospitals. Another major problem is the lack of specialized transplant centers. Many patients have to travel outside J&K for advanced procedures. We need more kidney transplant units, dialysis centers, and specialized nephrology departments at the district level.

KNS: What role does health insurance play in improving access to treatment?

Dr Wani: Health insurance is a life-saver. Many people cannot afford transplants or dialysis, which can cost lakhs of rupees. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat (Golden Card) allow patients to get transplants free of cost at government and empaneled private hospitals. But awareness is lacking—many people don’t even know they are eligible.

KNS: What needs to be done to improve J&K’s healthcare system?

Dr. Wani: Increase awareness about organ donation and cadaver transplants, Improve infrastructure by setting up more transplant centers, Recruit more specialists to improve the doctor-patient ratio, Strengthen health insurance coverage so more patients can afford treatment and Launch preventive healthcare campaigns focusing on diabetes, hypertension, and obesity

KNS: Finally, what message do you have for the people of J&K regarding kidney health and organ donation?

Dr Wani: My message is simple: "Say YES to life, NO to drugs." People must take care of their kidneys by living a healthy lifestyle. If diagnosed early, kidney disease can be managed. And for those who need a transplant, cadaver organ donation is the only way to save more lives.
We should encourage families to consent to organ donation when a loved one is declared brain-dead. This act of kindness can save multiple lives and bring hope to those in need.