The significance of organ donation cannot be overstated, even if the topic often recurs in discussions. If you have reservations about donating or receiving transplanted organs, it’s crucial not to let misconceptions stand in the way of saving lives.
Organ donation after death has the potential to save the lives of up to eight people. It carries a profound humanitarian message, offering a lifeline to those who have endured years of suffering. Tragically, many patients never receive that life-changing call informing them that a suitable organ donour has been found, missing out on their second chance at survival.
As a groundbreaking advancement in modern medicine, organ donation has dramatically transformed lives, enabling individuals to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. The Sultanate of Oman has made significant strides in this field, particularly through efforts to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation. These efforts reached a milestone in 2021 with the establishment of the National Centre for Organ Transplantation. Additionally, in 2018, regulations were introduced to govern the transfer and transplantation of human organs and tissues.
According to the Ministry of Health, over 12,000 individuals in Oman have registered as post-mortem organ donours. Last year alone, 19 kidney transplants and 11 liver transplants were successfully performed following the irreversible cessation of brain stem functions or the cessation of heart and breathing. Living donours, too, play a critical role, particularly relatives up to the fourth degree or non-relatives, subject to the approval of the Organ Transplant Committee at the Ministry of Health.
Dr Qassim bin Mohammed al Jahdhami, Head of the Organ Donation Department at the National Organ Transplant Programme, emphasised that organ transplantation is the most effective treatment for organ failure, such as kidney and liver failure, conditions that afflict millions worldwide.
Organ donation and transplantation are among the most intricate medical procedures, requiring precise coordination between multiple parties, as well as advanced medical technologies and highly trained personnel. The National Organ Transplant Programme in Oman is actively working to meet these requirements.
The global shortage of organ donours is a significant challenge, further complicated by the need for societal acceptance of brain death diagnosis and post-brain death organ donation. Raising awareness and encouraging individuals to become organ donours during their lifetime or to register posthumously through the Shifaa application is vital.
While contemplating death is challenging, considering organ and tissue donation can be even more daunting. However, organ donours play an indispensable role in saving lives. By donating organs, individuals directly contribute to giving patients with organ failure a renewed chance to live. Since humans are the sole source of human organs, certain patients' lives depend entirely on the generosity of organ donours.
BLURB: The global shortage of organ donours is a significant challenge, further complicated by the need for societal acceptance of brain death diagnosis and post-brain death organ donation. Raising awareness and encouraging individuals to become organ donours during their lifetime or to register posthumously through the Shifaa application is vital
FACTS
12,000 registered as post-mortem donours
19 kidney transplants performed in 2023
11 liver transplants performed in 2023
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