Importance of organs

The launching of the long overdue human organ donation program is more than necessary as only about 10,000 out of 1.5 million patients who need organ transplants annually survive by receiving them.

China Red Cross Society announced last week that, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the program will begin with 10 provinces and municipalities on trial basis.

A document is in the pipeline to regulate the specific work of designating medical institutions to receive organ donations, distributing them in the required manner and encouraging more people to donate.

The fact that nationwide only 130 donors volunteered their organs after death in the last six years is not only embarrassing for a nation with one fifth the world's population, but also makes it impossible for the majority of those in need of organ transplants to grab the last chance of extending their lives.

Traditionally, the Chinese are taught to treasure even a hair from their body as it is from their parents; and, to keep their bodies safe from any injury, to say nothing of giving an organ such as a liver or kidney to a stranger, is considered the very basis of filial piety. Even for those willing to donate organs after death, their relatives, children in particular, can hardly accept their loved ones going to another world with incomplete bodies.

An expert once said that even if 10 to 20 percent of those who die in a traffic accident, of a heart attack or brain tumor donate organs, the demand would be met to a large extent.

In reality, the mechanism to encourage people to donate their organs after death or persuade their relatives to accept the practice leaves much to be desired. There are such incentives for blood donors that they themselves and their relatives may get blood transfusion free of charge if they need it. Probably there should be similar incentives for organ donors and their relatives. In addition, one way or another, we may need to show our respect for those who save other people's lives by donating their organs.

The Red Cross Society in east China's Shandong province is reported to be considering the idea of a special cemetery with stone tablets for donors, where organ recipients and their relatives can pay their respects. That may be what is needed as an incentive - acknowledgement and recognition of having made a contribution.

There is a long way to go before the majority of Chinese change their traditional ideas about organ donation. And, much work will have to be done before an effective national program is in place.

To those in need of organs, this program is the first step towards a sound mechanism for both the donation and effective use of organs for saving many people's lives.

(China Daily 09/01/2009 page9)