Government employees who donate organs likely to receive 42 days leave

An important announcement was made on Tuesday by Tamil Nadu Health Minister K.G. Arunraja. He stated that the state government is considering the possibility of granting 42 days of recovery leave to government employees who donate organs. Additionally, he added that if individuals who donate organs themselves require organs in the future, their needs will be prioritised.

The Minister shared this information during a programme organised by Gleneagles Hospital, Chennai. The event was held to honour more than 250 living donors who performed liver transplantations, supported by the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. On this occasion, the Health Minister further stated that the process of transparent living liver transplants would soon be initiated in government hospitals as well.

Raising public awareness about liver health, Dr. Arunraja urged people to take care of their livers. He specifically advised those who consume alcohol daily to gradually reduce the quantity and develop a habit of responsible drinking.

A. Arvind, Director of Medical Education, stated on the occasion that the cost of one liver transplant is approximately ₹22 lakh. He praised the state government for making this expensive procedure possible through the insurance scheme.

Joy Varghese, Director of Hepatology at Gleneagles, informed that more than 100 beneficiaries of liver transplants were children aged 5 to 14 years. He added that many of these children were referred by government hospitals. He expressed gratitude to the doctors of government hospitals for the trust they placed in them.

MLA P. Saravanan of Sholinganallur, Chief Operating Officer S. Niranjana, and Medical Director J. Sophia Ansetta were also present at the programme. According to a report by The Hindu, this decision by the government is considered a significant step towards encouraging organ donation.