PUTRAJAYA: Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa stated that despite having 10,747 patients on the organ transplant waiting list, Malaysia only has 845 actual deceased donors. Dr Zaliha emphasized the significant imbalance between the number of patients on the waiting list and the number of organ donors. She expressed hope that the situation will improve, and Malaysia will no longer be among the 10 countries with the lowest organ donation rates.
According to Dr Zaliha, Malaysia has received 370,130 organ donor pledges since 1997, with an additional 22,268 registrations this year. The first organ transplant in Malaysia, involving a kidney donated by one sibling to another, took place in 1975. Despite this, the number of organ and tissue donations in Malaysia remains low compared to the growing number of patients with end-stage organ failure who require transplant surgery. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes are among the main causes of this increase.
Dr Zaliha announced that Organ Donation Awareness Week will be an annual event, with this year’s theme being “Derma Organ: Erti Sebuah Kehidupan” (Organ Donation: The Meaning of a Life). She emphasized the profound impact that organ donation can have on the lives of both recipients and donors, and their families. Dr Zaliha also highlighted that no religion prohibits its followers from participating in organ donation and transplantation, stating that in Islam, it is considered permissible according to the National Fatwa Council in 1970.
Currently, the organ donation rate in Malaysia stands at 0.7 donors per one million population. Dr Zaliha urged all Malaysians to join in the efforts to achieve a rate of one donor per one million population. She encouraged aspiring organ donors to register their intention through the MySejahtera app and advised them to inform their closest family members about their wishes.
As part of Organ Donation Awareness Week, various programs and activities, such as a poster drawing competition and a quiz, have been planned. More information on organ donation can be obtained at www.dermaorgan.gov.my.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
