I already, have you?

Hi, my name is Adek. This is me. Today i'm gonna talk about the priceless gift of life..

Death and organ donation, are difficult issues to think, let alone talk about. And if it's hard for us now, imagine how it might feel during the death of a loved one. The medical staff who fought to save the patient's life find it just as difficult to accept death and talk about it. Making a decision to donate the organs & tissue of a loved one who has just died may not be easy. It is by pledging our organ & tissues during our lifetime that we make this decision making process easier and less stressful for our relatives.

By signing up with National Donor Registry you will be allowing your organs & tissues to be used for transplantation after death. This will help save lives.

Who can be a donor?
anyone, young and old alike can sign up to be a donor. Individual below 18years of age will need parental/guardian consent.

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 one from donors. This treatment helps save lives of people. Organ & tissue donation is the ultimate humanitarian act of charity.

What are the organ&tissue that can be donated?
the commonly transplanted organs are kidney,heart,liver,lungs and pancreas while transplantable tissues are eyes,bone,skin,and heart valves. Thus single donor can save the lives of a number of people.

When are the organ & tissues removed?
organs are removed only after brain death has been confirmed by 2 registered doctors. the doctors involved with certification of death are not involved in the transplantation operation at all.

How are the organs removed?
The process of organ & 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 organ & tissues, the surgical wound will be closed just as in any other operation.

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 are satisfied that you are dead will the question of organ & tissue donation be discussed with your relatives.

Will the progress 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 & tissues does not interfere with the customary funeral or burial including open casket arrangements.

Are they 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 & benevolence.

How can I become a donor?
you need to complete a donor pledge form and the donor card which you can get at National Transplant Resource Centre and keep the donor card in your wallet all the time. Please inform your family of your wish to be an organ & tissue donor after your death. This will relieve them of the difficult task of making a decision following your death.

What if I change my mind later?
Organ donation is voluntary and if at any point you decide against donating your organs & tissues, all you have to do is to inform your family about it and return your donor card.

For further info, please contact
TOL FREE: 1-800-88-9080
National Transplant Resource Centre, HKL (03-2694 2704/2705)