Web database launched to register kidney donors

The Kidney Transplant Support Foundation has launched a National Organ Donor Program (NODP) and a web database to register those are willing to donate their organs and enter details of patients awaiting kidney transplants.

The NODP was launched by Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva at Anuradhapura on March 9 along with the opening of the Renal Care and Research Centre.

"Of the 10 kidney patients, eight have died due to the lack of resources or a related donor. Therefore this new program intends to ease this to a certain extent. This program is open to all citizens who wish to save a life", a media release issued by the Kidney Transplant Support Foundation said.

The web database will register those willing to donate while Nephrologists will enter details of 3,000 patients awaiting transplants. The system will automatically match donors with these patients and identify the most deserving patients to receive organs are being donated.

Over 200 potential donors have already requested the registration while 30 donors are prepared to donate a kidney while alive.

This directly translates to a new lease of life to 30 patients who would otherwise have died due to lack of a related donor, the release said.

The Health Ministry and the National Kidney Foundation of Sri Lanka initially identified 20 hospitals as focal points for the registration of donors. In addition, applicants for new driving licenses will also be able to have their organ registration included in the new licensing program initiated by the Motor Traffic Department. A "Heart" shaped icon will indicate him as an 'Organ Donor'.

"We hope to extend this to the new program for the new identity cards which will be launched in the future," the foundation said.

"We call on every citizen to register to be an Organ Donor while alive or after death and contribute to the saving of another life. Information can be obtained on 011-2824373."