Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi Commits to Organ Donation, Encourages Military Involvement

The Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, and his wife, Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, who is also the President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), have committed to donating their organs. This pledge was made at the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) on August 20.

This decision has provided considerable encouragement to the Armed Forces Organ Retrieval and Transplantation Authority (AORTA), which has been at the forefront of promoting organ donation awareness within the defense sector.

Led by Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services, AORTA has established itself as a national leader in organ retrieval and transplantation efforts. The Indian Army has already achieved a national milestone by having more than 26,000 personnel pledge their organs in a single campaign, marking it as the largest of its kind in India.

During the ceremony, General Dwivedi referred to organ donation as a "noble service to humanity" and called upon soldiers and their families to set an example, encouraging society to adopt this cause.

He also commended AORTA's continuous efforts in raising awareness and recognized the courage and compassion of donor families who have provided others with the gift of life. In a notable gesture, General Dwivedi awarded Chief’s Recommendation Cards to three frontline staff members involved in transplant care, including a housekeeper, to emphasize the essential role of healthcare workers in the success of these humanitarian missions.

The event underscored the Armed Forces' core values of sacrifice, service, and bravery, while also reinforcing their commitment to leading the nation in promoting organ donation as a crucial humanitarian initiative.