Organ donor gift of sight to two people

KOTA KINABALU: Two people have received the gift of sight after getting the corneas donated by an accident victim.

The 60-year-old victim, Laini Sukat (pic), had previously told her family of her intention to donate her organs when she died.

After she succumbed to her injuries following an accident in Ranau district last month, her family conveyed her wish to hospital staff, who then arranged for the transplant.

Sabah Health director Datuk Dr Rose Nani Mudin said Laini’s corneas were retrieved and then given to two patients waiting for a transplant.

“We wish to thank the donor and her family for allowing us to do this, and for giving such a great gift to two people in need.

“We pray for strength for her grieving family, and may her soul rest in peace,” she said in a statement yesterday.

She also expressed her gratitude for the assistance rendered by the Ranau police and Sabah Magistrates’ Court for the procedure to be carried out smoothly.

Dr Rose, who said the number of organ donors in Sabah was still low, encouraged people to sign up for the programme, which could be done via the MySejahtera application, among other channels.

“Fill up a form via MySejahtera and tell your family members about it, if you wish to become an organ donor,” she said.

Dr Rose revealed that another person, the late Cospermas Gugkang, also had his corneas donated to two patients after his death last month.