Over the past few weeks, we were made aware that an alternative to customary organ donation system is now being introduced in the UK.
This is the opt-out system. When we analyse advantages, it would be a great step in the right direction if the Maltese health authorities were to push for this system.
Quite a few countries in Europe have already adopted this method and, through it, are now meeting most, if not all, organ donation needs. We tend to forget that people in dire needs of an organ transplant are suffering and enduring a very uncomfortable life.
This method is simple enough. People who do not sign the organ donor form will be considered as donors.
We are so much into recycling and what better way to give hope and a better life is there than making use of organs that are perfectly healthy and simply not made accessible because a form is not filled.
I have started a petition and one should feel free to sign it (https://secure.avaaz.org/en/community_petitions/Minister_of_Health_Opt_out_system_of_organ_dontaion/?emKTRaab&utm_source=sharetools&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign =petition-573772-Minister_of_Health_Opt_out_system_of_organ_dontaion&utm_term=KTRaab%2Ben). The more people that are aware the more the chance it will become a reality.
It is a known fact that the demand for donors in Malta far outweighs the supply. Every moment counts.
The image shows the percentages of organ availability in countries who use the opt-in (red bars) and countries that use the opt-out (green bars) systems.
