Army Leads With Organ Donation Initiative In The Armed Forces
Newz Daddy Defence Updates
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, along with his wife, Mrs Sunita Dwivedi, President of AWWA, pledged to donate their organs at the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) on August 20, 2025, providing a significant boost to the Armed Forces Organ Retrieval & Transplantation Authority (AORTA). The initiative aims to encourage awareness and inspire the Armed Forces community to lead the nation in organ donation.
AORTA has been a key force in organ donation since the late 2000s, managing the majority of organ retrievals and transplants within the Armed Forces. It spreads awareness, coordinates with hospitals, and makes sure organs reach people who need them fast.
Under the leadership of Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, AORTA has emerged as a national leader in organ retrieval and transplant efforts. The Indian Army has already created a record, with more than 26,000 personnel pledging organ donations in a single campaign.
This campaign set a national record. The Army won a special award from NOTTO, the top national authority for organ donation, for getting over 26,000 pledges in one day. service to humanity and an extension of the Armed Forces’ spirit of sacrifice and courage. He urged service personnel & their families to come forward and set an example for society. The COAS also lauded AORTA for its consistent efforts in spreading awareness and motivating Armed Forces personnel about the importance of organ donation.
The Army’s example reaches beyond the barracks. Even school children and local families join the pledge drives. In Chandigarh, Western Command held a walkathon and cyclothon where Lt Gen Manoj Katiyar told everyone that donating organs is the highest form of selfless service. Recognising the vital role of healthcare workers, the Army Chief presented on-the-spot Chiefs’ Recommendation Cards to three frontline staff engaged in organ transplant care, including a housekeeper who diligently maintained hygiene and sanitation for patients. This gesture reinforced the Army Medical Corps’ commitment to compassionate patient care.
People working behind the scenes, cleaners, nurses, and techs, are the heart of transplant work. Honouring them shows that saving lives is a team effort. The event included a heartfelt tribute to donor families who extended the gift of life through organ donation. These families were felicitated in a solemn ceremony for their compassion and courage. Honouring donor families helps break myths and inspires others. When families see real recipients sharing how they were saved, it encourages more pledges.
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