Study of the Profile of Cadavers Donated to Anatomy Department of a Private Medical College of Punjab for Medical Research vis a vis Body Donation Programme: A First Hand Experience of Five Years Goyal Parmod Kumar1,*, Associate Professor, Gupta Monika2, Assistant Professor 1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda-151101 (Punjab) 2Department of Anatomy, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda – 151101 (Punjab) *Email: ishaancuty2002@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 29 December, 2011. Abstract Background Since time immortal the subject of Anatomy is studied by dissection of cadavers. Although these days new imaging techniques are being used, but cadaveric dissection is still an integral part of teaching curriculum for first year medical students. Even the postgraduate students of Surgery, Orthopedic and Surgical super-specialities like Neurosurgery feel more confident on operating living humans, once they have got sufficient hands on training on cadavers. But Medical Colleges faced shortage of cadavers for medical education. Aim Aim of this study was to share our experience of over five years with the voluntary body donation programme, launched and implemented successfully in our Medical College. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was conducted for five years, between 1st July 2006 to 30th June 2011; on the bodies received in the Anatomy department for the purpose of medical education. Results A total of 46 bodies were received during these five years; mostly (43) through voluntary body donation. Only three unclaimed bodies of un-natural deaths were received through police. Out of the 46 bodies received, 29 (63.04%) bodies were of the age group 61 – 90 years. There was no shortage of dead bodies after the implementation of body donation programme. Conclusion Voluntary body donation programme is running successfully in our institute; and is catering to the needs of our institute for cadavers. Many institutes in the adjoining area have also started a similar programme in their institutes. Top Keywords Anatomy Acts, Body Donation, Cadavers. Top |