Rtn PHF Dr Rohan S. Monis shares mindful insights on ‘Organ Donation – Turning Tragedy into Triumph’ at Bharat’s Largest ever Physiotherapy Conference, held at Mangaluru.
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Mangalore Physiocon – 2026 : an International Physiotherapy Conference was held at Mangaluru on the 11th and 12th of April, 2026; at TMA Pai International Convention Centre. This historic conference witnessed 30+ eminent speakers listed from Asia; with more than 6000+ physiotherapists – the largest ever in Bharat. Dr U.T.Ifthikar Fareed – Chairperson, Mangalore Physiocon 2026 spearheaded this initiative supported by South Kanara Physiotherapy Teacher’s Association ®️ – which was powered by Kanachur Islamic Education Trust ®️ and other esteemed Institutions around the state of Karnataka. Dr Suhail and his team of able physio leaders ensured that the ‘Physio Week’ was planned smoothly.
Rtn Dr Rohan S. Monis – Chief Administrative Officer, Kanachur Hospital & Research Centre & Medical Director, Rotary Club of Organ Donation International was invited as an eminent speaker for this colossal conference on ‘Organ Donation – Turning Tragedy into Triumph’. It is podiums like these where one can choose to create awareness and coach learned communities on the humane movement that the society needs to see.
Dr Monis began his session with a quote from John Bunyan “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” He showed the present donor crisis situation in our country and put up a statistical difference between Bharat and Spain – which was a stark comparative reality staring at us. We, a population of over 1.4 billion people aren’t able to create a difference in the lives in our surroundings : because Bharat had a donor count of <1 donor / million population while Spain was at >50 donors / million population. To bring clarity on the types of Donations and the Organs / Tissues that can be harvested in accordance with THOTA act are:
● Living Donor : can donate one of his Kidneys, a part of his Liver, a part of Lungs, Intestine and also Pancreas in India.
● Deceased Donor :
○ Circulatory Death : Tissues (Cornea, Tendons, Heart Valves, Veins, Ligaments, Bones, Skin) can be donated.
○ Brain Dead : Organs (Lung, Heart, Liver, Kidneys, Pancreas & Intestines) and Tissues (Cornea, Tendons, Heart Valves, Veins, Ligaments, Bones, Skin) can be donated.
To give the physiotherapists a real time update from the statistical archives from NOTTO, MOHFW – GOI, Dr Monis shared that :
- The number of transplants in the country has seen a fourfold increase from less than 5 thousand in 2013 to nearly 20 thousand in 2025
- Around 18% of transplants currently being performed with organs donated from deceased donors
- More than 4.8 lakh citizens registered to donate organs and tissues after death through a Aadhaar based verification system, since 17 September 2023
- India leads the world in hands transplants and performs a greater number of hand transplants than any other country
AS PHYSICAL THERAPISTS ‘ORGAN DONATION’ IS AN ADVOCACY THEY SHOULD TAKE UP AND CREATE AWARENESS IN THEIR ENVIRONMENTS.
Dr Monis beautifully elucidated on WHY our PHYSIO experts can be Organ Donation Health Advocates. As Physio’s their spheres of influence are expressed over Patient, Family, Community and The Medical Ecosystem. With an understanding of the need for prevention of Organ Failure and the need to help the debilitated ones; our Physio’s can be trendsetters too. Primarily,
- They are Touch Points in the community and become trusted information banks.
- They have Long Therapeutic Relationships with their patients.
- During Rehabilitation proximity with the family develops.
- Their expertise is trusted thus defining credibility without fear.
A Medical Update highlight was expressed on Xenotransplantation where Animal Organs are used in Clinical and Compassionate-use cases. The Pig’s organs have a close genetic make up to our human organs and a series of transplants using the pig’s Kidney, Heart and Liver have proved possible with scientific advances and research is still going on from 2024 in the USA.
Requesting the large delegation of Physiotherapists to take this a movement by :
- Partnering With Key Institutions : Ensures a clear progression from unawareness, to understanding, to positive attitude, to action (registering), and finally to advocacy.
- Building Knowledge and Dispelling Myths / Superstitions : Outreach programs provide accurate information and help undo wrong thought processes.
- Reaching People Where They Are : Community-based programs bring the conversation to places people already trust i.e. schools, religious institutions, community centers and local events.
- Leveraging Personal Stories : Programs that feature donor families and transplant recipients put a human face on these humane life saving issues.
- Engaging Underrepresented Communities : Certain ethnic and racial groups are disproportionately represented on transplant waiting lists, yet have historically lower donor registration rates — often due to cultural concerns.
- Normalizing the Conversation : Organ donation is closely tied to discussions about death and dying, which many cultures find uncomfortable. Regular outreach helps normalize these conversations, making it easier for people to talk about their wishes with family members. This matters because family consent is often a critical factor in whether donation actually proceeds, even when someone is a registered donor.
- Creating a Multiplier Effect : When community members are educated and engaged, they become informal ambassadors.
Dr Monis encouraged the Physio Experts to take the NOTTO pledge (using the QR code displayed on the presentation screen – https://notto.abdm.gov.in/) and to be a miracle in life. This session encouraged the Physio Experts to think in another dimension and ensure life happens even after we leave for our heavenly abode.
Donate Life – Be an Organ Donor
