ITN Vol 12; Issue 39, 2013

Lessons to Learn From Korea for the Asian Deceased Donor Transplant Programme

The star of the deceased donation programme in Asia is currently South Korea.

“… In 2003, the deceased organ donation rate was 1.7 per million population, but by 2008 it had climbed to 5.3. In 2012, the deceased organ donation rate increased to 8 per million population. The success has been due to the following factors - Creation of an Independent Organ Procurement Organization (OPO); Required reporting system to OPO of brain deaths in Intensive Care Units (ICUs); A proactive brain death committee in hospitals; A synergic effect between NGOs and government working together to spread the message of organ donation and distribution of donor cards; Financial support from government for the programme…”