Monday November 24, 2008
Getting more to pledge organs
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 4,000 people, on the waiting list for the “Gift of Life” would have their wishes granted if only the organs of 7,000 who died in road accidents last year had been transplanted.
To get more Malaysians to donate organs, the Government has launched a media campaign costing RM2.4mil which started yesterday.
Taking heart: (From left) Mellisa See, P. Khir Jaa and Lim Yee Ching reading pamphlets on organ donatian at KL Hospital on Saturday. National Transplantation Council Action Committee chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said it was unfortunate that there had only been 229 cadaveric donors since 1976.
“These donors were either brain dead or had died in accidents.
“Currently, our database has about 121,000 pledges for donation.”
However, he said that most of those people who had pledged had not informed their next of kin, causing problems later if they refuse.
“It is sad that donors have pledged to donate but the authorities cannot harvest the organs to save a life.”
Lee said the media played a vital role in creating awareness.
Stressing on the power and easy access of the Internet today as a tool, Lee also launched the transplant resource centre’s website.
“The website is designed to provide the public with the mechanics and details of organ donation and how one can pledge to be an organ donor.”
For more information on organ donation, go to www.agiftoflife.gov.my or call 03-2615 6576 or 1-800-88-9080.
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