Public acceptance of organ donation still low

JOHOR wants to work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to increase public awareness on organ donation.

State health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the number of people pledging to donate their organs was still low as many were uncomfortable doing so.

Ling says NGOs can play an active role promoting organ donation.

“That is why we need to create more awareness on organ donation among the masses that one person’s organs could save multiple lives,” he said.

“Many are still hesitant to pledge, citing religious and cultural factors. The overall acceptance in donating one’s organs after death is low.”

He added that from January to June, only 15,521 people nationwide pledged to donate their organs.

Ling, who is also Yong Peng assemblyman, said NGOs could play an active role promoting organ donation, similar to how blood donation had been encouraged.

“Previously, many people were also hesitant to donate blood due to myths and misconceptions.

“Thanks to the Health Ministry’s many roadshows and campaigns, with the help of NGOs, many are now willing to donate blood regularly to save lives.

“I hope similar efforts could be done to promote organ donation.”

He said health officials were ready to support community programmes to spread accurate information on organ donation.

Donors waiting for their turn to donate during a blood donation drive.

Ling said the increase in active blood donors had kept blood banks stocked.

Previously, there were complaints from blood donors who claimed that they were turned away during a donation drive as the organiser had attained its quota for the day.

Asked whether it was common for the ministry to limit the collection to 80 packs or 100 packs for each off-site blood donation drive, he responded in the affirmative.

Ling said it was standard practice for the ministry to collect a certain number of blood packs for each donation drive – whether it was organised by government or private agencies, or NGOs – to avoid oversupply and wastage.