October 31, 2024, Dubai, UAE: The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai proudly hosted the “Gift of Life – Hayat Organ Donation Program” at the DoubleTree by Hilton, M Square, Dubai. This impactful event highlighted the importance of organ donation in saving lives and fostering compassion in the UAE community.
The ‘Gift of Life – Hayat Organ Donation Program’ represents The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai’s dedication to building a culture of generosity and unity. By encouraging organ pledging, the event showcased how individual actions can contribute to a greater collective impact. IBPC remains committed to fostering positive change and promoting initiatives that strengthen community well-being across the UAE.
According to Gulf News, Hayat, and Dubai Iconic Lady, The UAE’s organ donation program has experienced remarkable growth, with a 417% increase in donors after death per million population over the last five years, making it one of the fastest-growing programs globally.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Dr. Sahitya Chaturvedi, Secretary General of IBPC Dubai, setting a gracious atmosphere for the event further emphasizing on the profound and life-altering impact of organ donation. He also highlighted its crucial role in transforming lives both within the UAE and beyond.
The significance of the event was emphasized by the theme of “The Gift of Life – Hayat Organ Donation Program,” which exemplifies the values of compassion and unity that IBPC proudly upholds. Through initiatives like this, IBPC is raising awareness and driving meaningful change within the community. The council believes that fostering a culture of organ donation can transform countless lives and foster hope in those in need. Committed to building bridges of collaboration, IBPC encourages responsible actions and reinforces the importance of giving back to society, all part of its mission to create a better tomorrow for everyone.
The event commenced with inspiring speeches by Mr. Ramesh Mahalingam, Governor of IBPC Dubai, and Mr. Siddharth Balachandran, Chairman of IBPC Dubai. Both emphasized the life-saving impact of organ donation and how it aligns with the values of social responsibility. Leading experts in the field, Dr. Omar Al Jaberi, Advisor at the National Center for Regulating Organ Donation and Transplantation, and Dr. Ali Al Obaidli, Chairman of the UAE National Organ Transplantation Committee, offered insights into the legal, ethical, and medical frameworks that shape organ donation in the UAE. Attendees were moved by emotional testimonials from Ms. Nathalie Grall and organ recipients Ms. Seema Nair, Ms. Husena Beguwala, and Mr. Muhammad Saleem Ahmed, who shared how transplants transformed their lives.
A highlight of the event was the engaging panel discussion moderated by Dr. Maria Paula Gomez Gomez, Hayat Country Director. The panel featured esteemed experts, including Dr. Abhay Pande, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Al Futtaim Health Hub, and Advocate P.V. Sheheen, Managing Partner at Bakertilly Law Corporation, who addressed the medical, legal, and ethical dimensions of organ donation. The audience actively participated in the Q&A session, reflecting the high level of engagement and the effectiveness of the discussions in promoting greater awareness.
The program saw enthusiastic participation from The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) members and their families, reinforcing the council’s commitment to promoting social initiatives. The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors such as Tristar Group, Fathima Healthcare Group, LuLu Group International, HSBC, Aster DM Healthcare, and Pooja Studio Dubai. Special recognition was given to Ms. Uma Raman for her vital role in organizing the event and to Hayat Organ Donation Program, the event’s official partner. The moderation by Dr. (CA) Sahitya K. Chaturvedi added further depth to the discussions, ensuring the forum was both informative and inspiring.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, recognizing all speakers, panelists, donors, and attendees for their contributions to the success of the event.
For more information on the Hayat Organ Donation Program, visit https://mohap.gov.ae/en/hayat
About IBPC Dubai: The Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai is a leading organization that fosters business networking and professional development for the Indian community in the UAE. Committed to enhancing bilateral trade relations, IBPC serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and growth among entrepreneurs and professionals across various sectors. By organizing events, workshops, and seminars, IBPC aims to empower its members and contribute to the economic prosperity of the UAE.
For more information on IBPC Dubai, visit https://www.ibpcdubai.com/