KUALA LUMPUR: Some 3,359 organ transplants have been carried out from 1997 up to July 31 this year, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Of the number, he said, some 1,121 were from deceased donors, while 2,238 were from living donors.
A total of 404,925 Malaysians pledged to donate their organs during this same period, he added.
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Dzulkefly said that so far this year, more than 16,000 potential organ donors have signed up through MySejahtera.
“The figure is hopeful, but is also a reminder that the journey is still long," he told a press conference after launching National Organ Donation Awareness Week here on Sunday (Aug 17).
“In reality, we are still facing challenges.
"As of July, more than 10,000 kidney patients are waiting for transplants, in addition to those with liver, heart and lung conditions.
“The number of donors... is also still low,” he added.
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Dzulkefly said that among the challenges faced is when the next of kin object to organs being removed from a deceased donor.
He said the authorities are working towards creating awareness among the public to respect the wishes of their deceased relatives who had pledged their organs.
On another matter, he said efforts to reform the National Transplant Resource Centre and transform it into the National Transplant Centre are ongoing.
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“The purpose is to empower governance, increase capacity and hasten innovation in organ donations and transplants,” he said.
Dzulkefly said engagements are currently underway, with inspiration taken from the successes of countries like Spain, Turkiye and China, which have boosted organ donation rates.
