GEORGE TOWN: In addition to the main challenges, the urban-rural disparity is also slowing organ donation rates in Penang, according to Hospital Penang transplant coordinator Dr Mohamed Shafik Shaik Mohd.
While places like George Town benefits from better access to awareness campaigns and healthcare, rural communities have limited exposure, leading to lower donor registrations and hence, low donation rates, he explained.
“Even when individuals pledge to donate their organs, families often refuse consent at the time of death.”
Dr Mohamed Shafik said some 800 to 1,000 people in Penang, aged 15 to 50, pledge to donate their organs, including vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver, annually.
Tissues that can be donated include the corneas, heart valves, bones and skin, he added.
In an effort to encourage more people to sign up as organ donors, Dr Mohamed Shafik said Hospital Penang will run campaigns to educate the public about the importance of making such a choice.
“For example, Malaysia has launched the ‘Organ Donation Awareness Strategic Plan’, which includes social media outreach and a one-stop website for information.
“Others also will engage with the community by collaborating with faith leaders and minority communities to help address cultural and religious concerns about organ donation,” he said.
Dr Mohamed Shafik said an annual campaign called varsity PULSE (Pledge for the Urgent Life-Saving Efforts) has been launched by the Malaysian Society of Transplantation in collaboration with the National Transplant Resource Centre and the Higher Education Ministry.
“It is meant to target university students and focus on raising awareness, dispelling misconceptions about organ donation, and increasing donor pledges,” he said.
