Pune, Mar 23: In a heartfelt tribute to the silent heroes who give the gift of life, Jupiter Hospital, Baner marked World Kidney Day with a special Kidney Donor Felicitation Ceremony, celebrating the courage and generosity of kidney donors while raising awareness about organ donation and kidney health.
The event was at the main auditorium in the hospital premises brought together transplant recipients, donors, doctors, and healthcare professionals for a meaningful day of reflection, gratitude, and learning.
The programme began with a Deep Prajwalan ceremony, followed by a warm welcome address by CEO, Jupiter Hospital, Pune Dr. Rajendra Patankar, who spoke about the transformative impact of organ donation and the hospital’s commitment to advancing transplant care. He highlighted how every kidney transplant represents not just a medical success, but also a powerful act of humanity.
The session continued with Dr. Swati Mane presenting an overview of the kidney transplant programme over the past five years, sharing insights into the progress made in transplant outcomes, patient care, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The presentation reflected how evolving medical practices and teamwork have helped improve patient survival and quality of life.
A key highlight of the event was an engaging panel discussion featuring experts from multiple disciplines. Nephrologists Dr. Swati Mane and Dr. Siddhesh Dhaygude, Psychiatrist Dr. Santosh Chavan, Physiotherapist Dr. Amruta More, and Nutritionist Dt. Pranita Kulkarni shared perspectives on the comprehensive care required for transplant patients. The discussion, moderated by Dr. Shailesh Kakde, emphasised that successful kidney transplantation goes far beyond surgery, it involves long-term medical care, emotional support, rehabilitation, and nutritional guidance.
The programme also provided a platform for patients and their families to directly interact with the medical team during a question-and-answer session, where they shared concerns, experiences, and practical challenges after transplantation.
A particularly moving moment came during the Donor Felicitation Ceremony, where kidney donors were honoured for their selfless contribution. Their stories served as powerful reminders of how organ donation can transform lives and give patients a second chance at living fully.
The celebration also included patient feedback sessions and a symbolic cake-cutting by the transplant team, marking the shared journey between doctors, donors, and recipients.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. S. S. Bhalerao, acknowledging the dedication of the transplant team and expressing deep gratitude to donors and their families.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rajendra Patankar, CEO, Jupiter Hospital, Baner said, “Kidney donors are true heroes who make one of the most selfless decisions a person can take. Their generosity not only saves lives but restores hope for entire families. At Jupiter Hospital, we believe that recognising and celebrating these donors is essential, as their courage inspires greater awareness and encourages more people to consider organ donation.”
By celebrating donors and encouraging dialogue around kidney health, Jupiter Hospital’s World Kidney Day initiative reinforced an important message: organ donation saves lives, and awareness can inspire more people to become life-giving heroes.
