More Malaysians willing to donate organs

The Star

The report “Policy on living organ donations lacks publicity ” (The Star, Jan 26) gives the mistaken impression that living organ donation from non-relatives is now encouraged, which would be a change from the previous policy. This is not so.

Cadaveric donation still remains the preferred choice for source of organs for transplant.

While living donations are viable options for patients requiring kidney or liver transplant, emphasis has always been on related donors, that is from among close family members or spouses.

Non-related donation is not encouraged but is allowed when there is no cadaveric or suitable living family donor and there is no alternative therapy other than transplant to sustain or prolong the patient’s life.

In such a situation, doctors looking after the patients requiring the transplant can now refer to the recently published “Unrelated Living Organ Donation – Policy and Procedures” for guidance to assist them in getting the appropriate authorisation from the Unrelated Transplant Approval Committee (UTAC).
Read more: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/1/27/focus/10547938&sec=focus