One donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation and save or improve the lives of up to 50 recipients through tissue and eye donation.
Due to the critical shortage of donors, thousands of South Africans await organ and tissue transplants. As with organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys, the demand for bone, tendons, skin, corneas and heart valves far outweighs the supply. Your decision to be a donor allows something positive to be gained from loss.
Why be an organ donor?
For transplant recipients: A second chance at life.
Improved quality of life.
For some, an organ transplant means no longer having to be dependent on costly routine treatments to survive. It allows many recipients to return to a normal life. For others, an eye or tissue transplant means the ability to see again or the recovery of mobility and freedom from pain.
The ability to comfort grieving families.
It is always difficult to lose a loved one. Many grieving families can take comfort in the fact that their loss may help to save others.
The power to save lives.
Registering to be an organ donor is a charitable act that costs nothing.
For donors and their families:
Who can become an organ donor?
Anyone under the age of 70, who is in relatively good health, is eligible. All potential donors are screened to determine donor suitability. This includes serological screening and testing for infectious and transmittable diseases.
How do you sign up?
Discuss your wish to become an organ donor with your family and make your intentions known.
Draft a written document signed by two witnesses or make an oral statement in the presence of two competent witnesses.
Contact the Organ donor Foundation – call their toll-free line on 0800 2266 11. They will send you an organ donor card to carry in your wallet and organ donor stickers for your ID book and driver’s licence.
Get an organ donor bracelet, necklace or disc from Medic Alert.
Remember, if you don’t state your intentions – either to be or not to be a donor – then, upon your death, the next-of-kin may consent to the donation of your organs.
Is your family liable for any costs?
No, the state or hospital will cover all medical expenses from the moment brain death is diagnosed, which must be confirmed by two doctors not involved in the transplant operation.
Can your family be compensated for donating your organs?
No, trafficking in organs and tissue is an offence, and there are strict requirements laid down to ensure that the process isn’t subject to unlawful application or abuse.
Source: web.up.ac.za, www.donatelifeny.org, dailyfix.co.za
The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
