Healthy lifestyle and organ donation interconnected: Anupriya Patel

Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel on Thursday administered oath to students and participants of a symposium for adopting healthy lifestyle at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College at Safdarjung Hospital, and stressed healthy lifestyle and organ donation were interconnected.

Inaugurating a symposium-cum-exhibition, 'Dialogue with Organs for Allied Health Force A step to enhance cognitive skills', organised by the Department of Anatomy, Patel said organ donation is one of the noblest things that one can do.

"Healthy lifestyle and organ donation are in fact interconnected. Only when one has healthy organs, can he or she lead a healthy life, and can be eligible for organ donation," she emphasised.

She also reiterated the need for empowering oneself with knowledge to attain professional competency and appreciated the unique initiative of the department.

"This platform of interaction of the eager learners with renowned experts in different fields will go a long way to create awareness and clear certain concepts in their mind," she added.

Patel stated that it was imperative to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid habits which in the long run will pose as a health hazard.

"Only when all the members of our society will be aware of a healthy lifestyle and of the necessity of avoiding unhealthy practices, can we achieve 'Health for All'," she said.

The symposium brought together about 350 students and allied health workers from institutions in Delhi and focused on healthy lifestyle and organ donation.

The highlight of the symposium was the exhibition on pathological effect on human organs which displayed normal, preserved human organs and pathological specimen of human liver, lungs, large and small intestine to lay specific emphasis on the effects of smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse, drink-and-drive and unhealthy lifestyle displayed through scientific posters.