People pay tribute to CPM leader Ram Chandra Nayak (inset) in Berhampur. Pictures by Gopal Krishna Reddy

Berhampur, May 2: The body of CPM leader Ram Chandra Nayak was donated today to the anatomy department of MKCG Medical College and Hospital, according to the veteran communist’s last wish.

The move might address the shortage of cadavers affecting anatomy research of the institute’s postgraduate and undergraduate students.

“A body was donated by family members for the first time in the history of MKCG after the Assembly passed the Odisha Anatomy (Amendment) Bill, 2012. Colleges and research institutions can now use cadavers of unknown persons for anatomical exam,” said Sadananda Rath, head of the department of anatomy, MKCG.

“Nayak, 70, was a resident of Banchanidhi Nagar. His daughter, who is also a doctor, decided to donate his body six months ago in writing. I salute the feelings of Ram Chandra Nayak and his family members,” Rath said. This change in the citizen’s psyche could come as a boon to the medical college, where an acute shortage of cadavers has affected facilitation of proper education and practical training to the students, he said.

Basant Nanda, secretary of Berhampur local committee of the CPM, said Nayak had been suffering from stomach cancer. He had desired to donate his eyes and body earlier.

“I am proud that my husband’s mortal body is to be used for a noble cause. He was a mass leader and his body will be used for the welfare of the masses. My husband was inspired by former Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu, who donated his body to SSKM Hospital in Calcutta,” said Sushma, Nayak’s wife.

Odisha joined the group after Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka, where body donation is legal to help the medics. The Odisha Anatomy Act, 1975, which was governing the law to supply bodies for education and research in the state, earlier did not provide for voluntary body donations.