A GIFT OF LIFE
It doesn't requires a person with a golden heart to become an organ donor. It's all about having the awareness and concerns towards saving lives. I can proudly say that I have pledged as an organ donor since 10 yrs ago. I'm no saint or angel but just an ordinary person who thinks that instead of bringing all those organs to the grave, why not we donate them to save lives of those who are in dire need of them to survive.
To date, with a population of 29 million people in Malaysia, there are only 133,496 who pledge to become organ donor. It means less than 1% of Malaysian actually sign up as organ donors. If you think this figure is pathetic, wait till you know that only 256 cases of organ donation are recorded in our country up to date! There are more than 15,000 patients who are still in the waiting list and the figure keeps escalating.
Many of us still have misconceptions and inaccuracies about organ donation. It's sad to know that some people are against organ donation merely because they don't know the truth. Following is a list of frequently ask questions along with anwers:
1.Who can be a donor?
Anyone, young and old can sign up to be a donor. Individuals below 18 years of age will need parental/guardian consent.
2.What is organ donation?
It is the gift of ones body parts after death for the purpose of transplantation. Transplantation is an operation, which involves the replacement of diseased and defective organs & Tissues with healthy ones from donors. This treatment helps save lives of people. Organ and tissue donation is the ultimate humanitarian act of charity.
3.What are the organs & tissues that can be donated?
The commonly transported organs are kidneys, heart, liver, lungs and pancreas while the transplantable tissues are eyes, bone, skin and heart valves. Thus a single donor can save the lives of a number of people.
4.When are the organs & tissues removed?
Only when death has been confirmed by two registered doctors. The doctors involved with certification of death are not involved in the transplant operation at all.
5.Will my hospital treatment be affected if they know that I am a donor?
Absolutely not. The doctors will undertake every known measure to save your life right till the end. Only when they have exhausted all ways and means to save your lives will the question of organ & tissue donation be discussed with your relatives.
6.Are there any religious objections?
No. All the major religions of the world - Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism endorse organ & tissue donation as the ultimate act of charity and benevolence.
7.How are the organs removed?
The process of organ and tissue donation involves a sterile surgical operation undertaken by a skilled team of surgeons. There is no mutilation or disfiguration of the body. The donor is treated with utmost respect and dignity as in any operation. Following removal of the organs and tissues, the surgical wound will be closed just as in any other operation.
8.What if I change my mind later?
Organ donation is voluntary and if at any point you decide against donating your organs and tissues, all you have to do is to inform your family about it and return your donor card.
9.Will the process of organ donation delay the funeral arrangements?
Not at all. Arrangements for funeral can be made as in any case of death. Following the removal of the organs and tissues, the body will be cleaned & draped and returned to the family within the shortest possible time. Removal of organs and tissues does not interfere with the customary funeral or burial including open casket arrangements.
Lets put away those 'kiasi'-ness and selfishness in us for a more caring society. By the way, what is there to be fear of since our organs will only be harvested after we are pronounced dead. Sign up here as a organ donor today because there is more to life than achievement, and there is more to death than sadness. Be an Organ Donor and give someone…... A GIFT OF LIFE.
Click here to learn more about organ donation in Malaysia
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ABOUT ME
- Kelvin Poon
- True Mind is the Journal of Kelvin Poon who lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he shares his thoughts & happenings in life.
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