Jaipur, Aug. 5 -- The state government aims to establish organ donation and transplant facilities in all medical colleges across the state to save more lives by promoting this noble cause, said medical education secretary Ambrish Kumar. Addressing an organ donation awareness programme organised at the auditorium of Sawai Man Singh Medical College on the occasion of Organ Donation Day, Kumar said: "Around 10,000 deaths occur every year in the state due to road accidents. If even 10% of those declared brain-dead could donate organs, it could save the lives of many patients awaiting transplants. Organ donation is a virtuous act that allows a person to live on even after death and connects them spiritually with all of creation." He further said that the need for organ transplantation is increasing due to accidents, unhealthy lifestyles, and genetic factors. He urged people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, maintain a balanced diet, and stay fit through yoga and other practices. This, he said, will not only keep individuals healthy but also reduce the need for transplants. He also directed that yoga classes be started in all medical colleges. He said, "Organ donation and transplantation are the pinnacle of modern medical science, bringing hope to those battling death. Thanks to advancements in medicine, the average life expectancy has now reached 75 years, compared to just 26-30 years at the time of independence." The Medical Education Secretary said that the state government is continuously expanding organ donation and transplant facilities. "Under the Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya Yojana, organ transplantation is provided free of cost. Additionally, a transparent and accessible process has been developed to encourage organ donation. As a result, there has been a rapid increase in organ donation and transplantation cases in the state in recent times. The government aims to establish organ donation and transplant facilities in all medical colleges across the state," he said. He urged all medical colleges to actively contribute to this mission and assured that the state government will extend every possible support to strengthen the initiative. During the event, Dr Deepak Maheshwari, principal of SMS Medical College, said that since the establishment of SOTTO (State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization) in 2018, Rajasthan has seen continuous progress in organ donation and transplantation. "In the past six months alone, 19 cadaver transplants have been performed at SMS Hospital - a major achievement. Organ donation and transplantation facilities are being further strengthened to make Rajasthan a medical hub," he said. Dr. Rashmi Gupta, the Appropriate Authority, said that Rajasthan has made effective efforts in raising awareness about organ donation. "Rajasthan ranks first in the country for online organ donation pledges. Recently, the central government honoured the state with two national awards for its outstanding work in promoting organ donation," she said. She emphasised that all institutions must ensure full compliance with the THOA Act (Transplantation of Human Organs Act)....