I Registered as an Organ Donor in 2022

I registered as an organ donor in 2022.

I was taught that good deeds should be done in secret.

However, I am breaking that rule today for a public service announcement.

This was a difficult decision that required a lot of reflection. I did my research on the acceptability of organ donation in Islam, had a heart-to-heart with my wife, and spoke with close friends to ensure they could support her if the time ever comes.

Why did I decide to do it and why am I speaking up now?

I recently read this Channel News Asia article: "Why does Malaysia grapple with low organ donation rate despite long transplant waitlist?" (https://lnkd.in/gkAFpTRR)

The reality it describes is sobering:

• Over 10,000 Malaysians are currently on the organ transplant waitlist.
• 10,197 of them are waiting for a kidney.
• While we have 50,000 patients on dialysis, we only see about 80 kidneys available from deceased donors each year.
• The average wait time is 10 to 15 years, a window many simply do not survive.

One of the biggest hurdles is that even if a donor is registered, the next of kin must still give consent. In 2022, families agreed to donate in only 13% of potential cases.

For a more current set of statistics, visit https://lnkd.in/ggAV64kP

For those who may have religious hesitations, I found this analysis from the Office of the Federal Territories Mufti very helpful. It clarifies that organ and tissue donation is permissible and even encouraged in Islam as a way to save lives: https://lnkd.in/gKEw86fh

I don't want to say anything else other than if these statistics moves you and you feel that you want to do something about it, there are 2 things you need to do:

1. Talk to your family. The most important step is ensuring your loved ones know your wishes now, so they aren't left with a difficult decision during their darkest hour. You must leave a support system.
2. Register as a donor via the MySejahtera app or at https://lnkd.in/ggAV64kP