The Department of Health – National Capital Region (DOH-NCR) and the Philippine Network for Organ Sharing (PhilNOS) on Friday held a massive organ donation registration campaign event at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Metro Manila dubbed as “Organ Donation Sign-Up Campaign: I Am a Lifelineâ€.
The campaign aims to intensify public awareness on the importance and benefits of organ donation and transplantation; and to institutionalize an initial registry of potential organ donors in Metro Manila to address the significant demand for organ donors in the country.
“Organ donation saves lives and it is very important to note that every person has the power to save a life by becoming an organ, tissue or eye donor. It is a noble gift because you can give someone a second chance at life,†Health Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa stated.
The ongoing campaign welcomes everyone who wants to make a pledge by registering at the established registration site.Once listed, a lifeline identification card will be given to the potential organ donor.
The Philippine Information Agency Survey in 2013 noted that most Filipinos are willing to donate a part of their body but only to their immediate family and close relatives. To date, PhilNOS only recorded a total of 12,000 patients who have undergone renal transplants due to the limited number of organs being donated. Among the most needed organs for transplantation are kidney, liver, lungs and heart.
The event is done simultaneously nationwide in five other areas sites in the country namely the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in San Fernando City, La Union; Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum in Naga, L. Mamba Gym in Tuguegarao; Almendras Gym in Davao; and Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila.
“I encourage everyone to register and become an organ donor and help save many lives. By having more organ donors in the country, life-saving transplantations will made possible for more patients every yearâ€, Usec. Herbosa urged the public.
Press Release