Organ transplant wait put at '2,000 every day'

Henry Siu

Every day about 2,000 patients are waiting for organ transplants in Hong Kong, despite over 380,000 residents registered as donors, according to Director of Health Ronald Lam Man-kin.

His comments came as around 10 organ recipients, families of donors and medical representatives gathered at the Garden of Remembrance at the Junk Bay Chinese Permanent Cemetery yesterday morning to honor 79 organ donors.

The event was organized by the Hong Kong Kidney Foundation and Hong Kong Organ Donation Action Group.

Group convener Chau Ka-foon said: "The memorial garden has been the final resting place for 79 donors over the past eight years who have saved the lives of more than 230 patients."

Lam said there's an urgent need for more organ donors.

The Department of Health has set up donation registration booths across 18 districts and is collaborating with religious organizations and media to produce educational videos that focus on the importance of organ donation.

Lam urged people considering donating to discuss it with their families.

He also reminded those who registered before 2008 to update their information to ensure their data is included in the system.

Heart recipient Ma, 62, shared his experience of living with multiple health issues, including high blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.

After undergoing angioplasty at age 50, he learned his heart function had dropped to below 30 percent, necessitating a heart transplant.

After three years, Ma received life-changing news that a heart was available, saying: "It was wonderful."

Two years after the transplant, Ma can now lead a normal life and exercise regularly, though he needs to visit the hospital for follow-ups every three months.

Wong, 57, who suffered from kidney failure due to a lifestyle of frequent alcohol consumption and irregular resting patterns, is currently awaiting a second kidney transplant after complications, including two bouts of Covid-19 that worsened his condition.

He acknowledges his chances of receiving a second transplant are slim and may need dialysis for the rest of his life, significantly impacting both his and his family's daily life.