China updates rules on organ donation, transplantation

China released on Thursday the updated rules on human organ donation and transplantation.

Premier Li Qiang signed a decree of the State Council to unveil rules on human organ donation and transplantation, which will be effective from May 1, 2024, Xinhua News Agency reported.

China issued its first rules on human organ transplantation in 2007. The newly released rules represent the first major revision made to the original version in over a decade, so as to adapt to new circumstances of the sector and advance its health development, said authorities.

The new regulations stressed promoting public awareness of organ donation. The name change, from the rules on human organ transplantation to the rules on organ donation and transplantation, has signified the importance of stepping up publicity of organ donation, according to authorities.

The new directives also improve regulations of obtaining and distributing organs for transplantation and emphasize comprehensive and fair management of organ transplantation procedures.

Meanwhile, the rules highlights supervision of organ donation technologies, such as carrying out regular examinations of medical institutions certified to perform such surgeries.