Relatives of donors will be given priority in organ transplants.

The regulation, approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), aims to increase organ donations. It is expected to offer hope to the over 30,000 patients waiting for an organ in Türkiye. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hayriye Cankar Dal, Physician in Charge of Bilkent City Hospital's Organ Donation and Transplantation Center, stated that the number of patients on organ waiting lists in Türkiye is increasing daily. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dal said, "With this new regulation, organ donation procedures have been simplified, and our citizens have been given the opportunity to donate organs through e-Government. The donor's will will also be taken into account, and our citizens have been given the opportunity to become organ donors through e-Government."

Underlining that the new regulation will prioritize the individual's will, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cankar Dal said, "If a person has donated an organ while alive, they will be considered an organ donor in the event of brain death. Anyone 18 years of age or older can donate an organ through e-Government. Being older or having comorbidities does not preclude them from becoming an organ donor. Furthermore, the new regulation gives priority to the spouse or first-degree relative of an organ donor who needs an organ transplant."

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital Coordinating Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Levent Öztürk stated that four organ transplants can be performed simultaneously at the hospital, saying, "Lung transplants, liver transplants, heart transplants, and kidney transplants are performed. In addition, corneal transplants and other transplants are also performed. Perhaps our only shortcoming in this regard is the insufficient number of organ donors. We always need the support of organ donors to help people experiencing organ shortages start a new life."

Professor Dr. Öztürk emphasized the importance of organ donation in helping people with serious illnesses regain their lives and start a new life, saying, "The new law may make these procedures a little easier. The number of patients waiting for organ transplants across Türkiye is over 30,000. Perhaps the new law will increase organ donations, reducing the number of people waiting. Over 30,000 people are waiting for organ transplants, and their treatment costs are enormous. People's quality of life is very low. After an organ transplant, their quality of life will improve, allowing them to start a new life. One day, a relative or acquaintance may need an organ. With this in mind, we encourage organ donation."

DHA

Reporter: News Center