Organ Donation Card FAQs - Information & Downloads, Philippines

What is organ and tissue donation?

It is giving a part of yourself so that others may live. About 25 organs and tissues may be donated for transplantation, the most common of which are the kidneys. Others include:

• Major organs: heart, liver, lungs, pancreas
• Tissues: bone and cartilage, bone marrow, corneas, skin

Why is it important to donate an organ or tissue?

Thousands of Filipinos die every year of organ failure and the lack of organ donors. Many lives can be saved if more Filipinos will donate a part of themselves. The survival rate of organ transplants is quite encouraging. Data gathered by the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) show that the survival rates for kidney transplants during the first year were registered at 90-95% for living-related donors and about 80-85% for diseased organ donors. These rates are comparable with the survival rates of similar transplants in other parts of the world. New drugs, improved surgical techniques, and a deep commitment of today’s team of health care professionals help make transplants safer and more successful.

Becoming a donor is a personal and emotional decision, but it may help you to:

• Talk with your family. Explain why you’re thinking of becoming a donor. Let them express how they feel. Keep in mind that helping others by donating organs and tissues could be comforting to the family — a symbolic way for you to help others continue to live.
• Ask your physician for information. He/she can answer many of your questions and can suggest other sources of information that may help you to make a decision. Discussions with your physician are most helpful during times of good health.
• Speak with your friends. Some of them may already be carrying organ donor cards. If so, ask them why they made that choice. If not, share what you know about organ donation as well.
• Consult a member of the clergy. Many of the major religious organizations support organ and tissue donation. If you have any specific questions or concerns about your religious organization’s position on this issue, talk with a member of the clergy.

Why is the organ donor card important?

The organ donor card identifies your wish to become an organ donor.

RA 7170, the Organ Donation Act of 199l, legalizes this through the organ donor card.
In case of a brain-dead patient, the following legal requirements must be met before retrieval surgery is undertaken: Declaration of brain death by the patient’s neurologist, neurosurgeon, or attending physician; and consent for donation from the next of kin, in the absence of a donor card.

Organ donation already in driver’s license?

The organ donor card has been incorporated in all drivers’ licenses. It states that the driver has the intention to become an organ and tissue donor in the event of his/her death. This type of license may make it unnecessary to carry a separate organ donor card.

How does one accomplish the organ donor card?

• Download the card from http://www.flickr.com/photos/ginggayjdm/.
• Fill up and have two witnesses sign.
• We suggest to laminate and place in your wallet.

Who are qualified?

• Anyone who is 18 years or older may become an organ donor when he or she dies. A minor may become an organ donor with his or her parents’ consent.
• If one wishes to donate his/her organ or tissue, he/she should accomplish an organ donor card and inform the spouse or immediate family about his/her decision.
• Neither age nor physical history should stop you from signing an organ donor’s card. The transplant team will decide at the time of the donation whether the organs or tissues are useful.

Can a minor become an organ donor?

• A minor or a person under age 18 may become a donor only if a parent or legal guardian gives consent.

What’s involved in transplant surgery?

Recipients are chosen based on whose tissue type and blood type are most compatible with those of the donors. A meticulous search is conducted to find the most suitable recipient.

Who pays for a transplant operation?

The donor family does not pay for any transplant operation. It is usually paid for by the recipient. If he is a service patient, part of the expenses is shouldered by the government. The transplant recipient’s health insurance policy may cover the cost of the transplant.

What about donor care?

Donors are assured of the same high quality of medical treatment that non-donors receive. Medical personnel follow strict guidelines before death can be pronounced and the donor’s organs and tissues removed.

Organ and tissue donation saves lives. You can help make the donor program successful if you:

• Decide to become a donor.
• Encourage others to become donors.
• Complete and carry this organ donor card.

Download the Organ Donor Card now!