What you need to know about Organ Donation
posted in - Dobbs, - Health tips |The NST has an interesting write-up on Organ Donation today, with a FAQ on what you need to know.
Q: Who can be a donor?
A: Anyone can sign up. If you are below 18, you will need parental/guardian consent.Q: What is organ donation?
A: It is the gift of one’s body parts after death for transplantation. Transplantation is an operation which replaces diseased and defective organs and tissues with healthy ones from donors.Q: What are the organs and tissues that can be donated?
A: Kidneys, heart, liver, lungs and pancreas are the organs that can be donated, and the tissues are eyes, bone, skin and heart valves.Q: When are the organs and tissues removed?
A: When death has been confirmed by two registered doctors. The doctors involved with certification of death are not involved in the transplant operation.Q: Will my hospital treatment be affected if they know that I am a donor?
A: Absolutely not. Doctors will undertake every known measure to save your life right till the end.Q: What about religious objections?
A: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism recognise organ and tissue donation as the ultimate act of charity and benevolence.Q: What if I change my mind?
A: If at any point you decide against donating your organs and tissues, inform your family and return your donor card.Q: Will organ donation delay funeral arrangements?
A: Not at all. Following the removal of the organs and tissues, the body will be cleaned, draped and returned to the family within the shortest possible time.Q: How can I become a donor?
A: Complete a donor pledge form and forward it to the National Transplant Resource Centre. You will receive a registration card from the centre. (Inform your family that you are an organ and tissue donor).For further information, contact the National Transplant Resource Centre, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, at tel: 03-9260066, 03-2942704 or 03-2942756.
The above illustrates the number of people on the waiting list in this country. The National Transplant Resource Centre is doing all it can to raise public awareness, but organ donations are slow in coming. Read this heartfelt plea from a mother whose child desperately needs a liver transplant.
Related MMR blogposts:
Organ Donation: a Gift of Life
Worrying drop in organ donors
A Gift of Life
Glen’s gift of sight
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July 2nd, 2007 at 12:26 pm
I’ve been a proud registered organ donor since 1994!!!