BY NATASHA JEE & SHARIFAH NONG JASIMA
KUCHING: Would you consider stepping up and performing a kind act by pledging to donate your organs after death?
This is because around 9,640 patients with end-stage organ failure, including children, are waiting for transplants in the country, as indicated by Dr Uma Devi Ramadass, the doctor-in-charge of the Hospital Organ Procurement Unit (UPOH) at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
“Sadly, there are about 4,600 Sarawakians currently undergoing dialysis, and approximately 70 per cent of them are suitable for a kidney transplant.
“It is an agonizing wait of about 10 years before they can undergo a transplant. Why the long wait? This is because we still have a long way to go in terms of deceased donors,” she told the New Sarawak Tribune in a recent interview.
She mentioned that as of last year, out of the country’s population of 34.5 million, Sarawak had the second-lowest number of people who had pledged to donate their organs after death, with only 0.56 per cent.
“Not everyone who pledges to donate their organs after death becomes a donor, as there are many factors to consider,” she said.
She thus called upon more Sarawakians to step forward and make a difference by not only pledging to donate their organs on MySejahtera but also informing their families of their noble intentions.
“Last year, Malaysia reached 1.3 deceased organ donors per million population, which is the highest we have ever reached,” she said.
She added that two donated kidneys can already help four patients on the waiting list, as two patients can receive one kidney each while the remaining two can take their place for dialysis.
“For a single deceased donor, they could potentially save up to eight lives. Organs and tissues such as the cornea of the eye, kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, and bones can be donated.
“However, individuals with a history of cancer, autoimmune disease, or infectious disease cannot become donors,” she said.
Regarding organ donation in Sarawak, Dr Uma said it is still a challenge as not many people are aware of the importance of donating organs and tissues after death.
“One of the challenges is also people’s mindset and cultural barriers on the matter, such as fear of what will happen in the afterlife,” she said.
Thus, she stated that UPOH at SGH is actively working to raise more awareness about organ donation and its necessity.
“In addition to that, we are not only encouraging more people to pledge to be organ donors through the MySejahtera application but also informing their family members,” she said.
Those interested in learning more can also visit UPOH, located in the main lobby of SGH, and walk-ins are welcome to sign up as donors.
