DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Organ Donation Centre (Hiba) awarded 30 living organ donors and families of 26 deceased donors for their contribution to the health of the nation and the organ donation programme.
The event was attended by the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs H E Dr Abdullah Saleh Mubarak Al Khulaifi.
Six Qatari patients who chose to have their transplants in Doha rather than travelling abroad were also honoured, as were six Qatari participants from MESOT Games in Abu Dhabi in 2012 and Istanbul in 2014. Twenty-five national organisations that support the programme were also recognized.
The awareness programme has resulted in a steady increase of registered organ donors and, since the launch of the donor registry in 2012, over 43,000 people have signed.
Dr Yousuf Al Maslamani, Director, Qatar Center for Organ Transplantation, HMC, spoke about the history of organ donation in the country and milestones attained through the support of the leaders, including the development of Doha Donation Accord in 2009.
In his presentation, Dr Riadh Fadhil, Director, Qatar Organ Donation Centre, said, “Fairness, equitable distribution of donated organs, unbiased access to transplant services and respect of dignity and autonomy of all residents in Qatar, irrespective of nationality, race, and religion, have become the cornerstones of what is internationally known as the Doha model of organ donation and transplantation.”
Jamal Al Kaabi spoke about his experience.
“My life was saved due to a kidney donation by a deceased woman. Even though I had the choice of travelling abroad, I decided to stay in Qatar and be on the waiting list for an organ and I am happy I did, as the level of care and expertise shown by Qatar organ donation and transplant teams was exceptional.
“I extend my appreciation and gratitude to the family of the deceased donor and HMC teams for saving my life.
“I felt proud of our organ donation programme when I found that an Indian patient had been chosen to receive the other kidney from the same donor. His transplant was conducted in the operating theatre next door to mine.”
The Peninsula
