More than 2,600 patients wait for organ transplants every day in Hong Kong, with wait times that can last for years or even decades. Due to an insufficient organ supply, many patients hang on, continuing to struggle with their illness – some relying on medical instruments and drugs. With that said, what can we do about it?
Learn about organ donation
Organs that can be donated include: heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, bones, skin and corneas.
Conditions for deceased organ/tissue donors:
Generally, there is no special age limit.
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Deceased donors can donate both their organs and tissues at once (their organ functions will be temporarily maintained by ventilators and drugs).
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Most people who have died of cardiac arrest can only donate tissue, such as corneas, skin and bones.
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The relevant organs or tissues function well
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Are not infected with serious infectious diseases, such as AIDS/HIV.
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Except for primary brain tumours, cancer patients are generally not suitable for organ, bone and skin donation. On the other hand, patients with lymphoma, blood cancer, bone marrow cancer and cancers other than malignant tumours of the eye can donate their corneas to their loved ones after death.
Register on the Central Organ Donation Register and Inform Your Family Members.
To increase public awareness and support for organ donation. The Central Organ Donor Register is an important platform for people to register as organ donors and communicate their wishes to their families. They can choose various ways to register. Individuals can register in person at designated locations or online using the “Smart and Convenient” auto-fill function of the Central Organ Donation Registration Register.
The process of donating body organs:
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Patients admitted to hospital due to fatal trauma or critical illness
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End of life care
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The patient is diagnosed with brain death
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Evaluation of donors of body organs
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Donation and transplantation arrangements of body organs
The Myth of Organ Donation
Some people are concerned that donating organs may have a negative impact on their health or believe that they are too old to donate. In fact, there is no age limit for organ donation. If the organ is still healthy and meets the requirements for transplantation, it can be donated!
Another worry is that donors may not receive proper burial after donating. Luckily, the Hong Kong government clearly stipulates that the remains of organ donors will be properly handled and will receive respect and appropriate burial.
Organ donation in Hong Kong still faces some challenges and controversies - one of which is about the bureaucratic processes of donation and transplantation arrangements. Even if the process is smoothened out, government officials and experts unanimously agree, Hong Kongers still have reservations towards organ donation due to cultural values and in fear of organ abuse.
In reality, organ donation is a gift for life. Let's work together to bring hope and health to more people.
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