Navigating the challenges of Body donation: Duties of donors, families, and medical institutions- A short review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v13i11.2464Keywords:
Anatomy act, Body Donation, Cadaveric Dissection, Shavavicchedana Vidhi, Voluntary body donation (VBD).Abstract
Background: Cadaveric dissection has been central to anatomical learning since the era of Acharya Sushruta, and Voluntary body donations (VBD) are precious gift to the mankind. Body Donation is defined as act of giving one’s body after death for medical research and education. Despite the importance of body donation for medical education and the advancement of medical science, cadaveric donation remains suboptimal. Dissection classes and research are being aborted in many medical courses because of lack of availability of cadavers. Under Anatomy Act of India, the unclaimed bodies have limitations and mostly they are not useful; and the only source of cadavers is the donated bodies but there is paucity of awareness regarding the gracious and ideal act of body donation. Objective: To explore the Ayurvedic, ethical, and educational dimensions of body donation, several active trusts involved in VBD and to analyse its challenges and responsibilities within medical education. Methods: A narrative literature review of Ayurvedic scriptures, ethical policies, and existing body donation frameworks was conducted. Observations were made under classical concepts, modern regulatory aspects, challenges, and Responsibilities. Results: The review highlighted that several active trusts in India — including Dadhichi Deh Dan Samiti, Laksha Trust, Dr. Ramannavar Charitable Trust, and the JSS Body Donation Association - serve as key contributors to donor registration and timely cadaver procurement for medical education. Major barriers to body-donation programmes include limited public awareness, cultural and religious influences, and legal compliance issues, while initiatives integrating community outreach and ethical transparency show promise in improving public acceptance. Conclusion: Body donation represents a unique bridge between ancient Ayurvedic thought and modern anatomical education. Active body-donation trusts significantly support cadaver availability for medical education, but wider participation requires strengthening awareness, institutional policies, and culturally sensitive counselling can significantly improve cadaver access in medical colleges.
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