India, Aug. 16 -- World Organ Donation Day is observed every August 13 to raise awareness about the practice of organ donation and its potential to save lives. India has many patients awaiting liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, intestine, heart valve and corneal transplants, yet organ donation remains low. Limited awareness and persistent myths are major barriers. Here are seven common questions answered. Religious leaders across faiths have generally agreed that no major religion prohibits organ donation during life or after brain death. Most organs can be retrieved only after brain death, when brain function has permanently stopped but the heart continues beating with medical support. Corneas can be donated after cardiac death, usually within six hours. Pledging your organs in advance can help facilitate donation. No. Organ retrieval is performed by trained specialists, and surgical incisions are carefully closed. The body is not mutilated. No. Organ sale and purchase are prohibited by law in India and are punishable offences. Living donation is permitted only under prescribed legal and medical conditions. Most of the carefully screened kidney donors remain healthy after donation. The remaining kidney usually adapts and maintains adequate function, although some donors may develop high blood pressure or protein leakage later. Yes. Both men and women who donate a kidney can have children. Women are generally advised to wait about a year after donation before pregnancy. Not necessarily. Overall health and organ function matter more than age alone. If medical evaluation is satisfactory, older adults may also be eligible to donate. HTC Disclaimer: The veracity of the claims made in this article is the responsibility of the doctor/author concerned....