Amaravati, Aug 8 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday said it will felicitate organ donors under a new scheme called 'Jeevandan' to encourage organ donations.

State Health, Medical and Family Welfare Special Chief Secretary MT Krishna Babu issued orders mandating the district collectors or his/her subordinates to lay a wreath or garland on the mortal remains of the deceased donor.

Also Read | CBI Arrests ED Assistant Director for Taking Bribe of INR 20 Lakh From Mumbai-Based Jeweller.

"Donor family members shall be felicitated by presenting a shawl, certificate with a frame, and some flowers, as a mark of respect to every deceased organ donor at the time of donation," said Babu in the Government Order (GO).

Besides felicitation, Rs 10,000 will be disbursed to the kin of the donor for carrying out a dignified funeral, including the free transportation of the body of the donor from the hospital to his/her residence or the crematorium.

Also Read | Ajit Pawar Launches Jansanman Yatra in Maharashtra, Says 'Do Not Fall Prey to Opposition's False Narratives (See Pics and Video).

Observing that organ donation is an act of supreme nobility, the Special Chief Secretary noted that several organs could be harvested from deceased donors, such as kidney, liver, lungs, heart, intestine, pancreas, hands and skin.

'Jeevandan' scheme was recommended by the Cadaver Transplantation Advisory Committee (CTAC) of the government of Andhra Pradesh.

Babu highlighted that a large number of patients suffering from irreversible organ ailments involving the heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys could lead a healthy life if they had the opportunity to undergo transplant surgery.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)