Organ Donation in Germany: A Critical Shortage
Unforeseen Incidents Might Strike Anyone: A Report - "Organ Donation Demand Exceeds Supply: Thousands Awaiting Transplant"
Let's get real: last year, a whopping 953 people in Germany donated organs post-mortem, contributing to a total of 2,855 donated organs nationwide. But here's the kicker—it's still not enough. Nearly 8,000 people are currently on the waiting list for organ transplants in Germany alone, and the situation is far from improving.
Take Franziska Bleis, for instance. This 42-year-old woman was resurrected not once, but twice by her husband, thanks to a severe heart muscle inflammation back in 2019. She owes her life to a donor heart transplanted at the German Heart Institute of Charité in Berlin in 2022. But Franziska's story is just one success amidst a sea of names on the waiting list.
Berlin and Brandenburg have seen a slight increase in organ donors this year, with 30 individuals donating 72 organs before the end of May. Yet compared to 2021, when there were 54 donors and 127 organs nationwide, there's still a long way to go.
But why the shortage? Well, it's simple: only 0.4% of individuals aged 16 and above and eligible for organ donation are registered in the organ donation registry, as of now. That's roughly 319,200 registrations, according to the German Organ Transplantation Foundation (DSO).
So, what's the solution?
First up, an opt-out system, similar to many other European countries, could be a game-changer. Here's how it works: if a deceased individual hasn't explicitly objected to organ donation during their lifetime, their organs can be used for transplantation after their death. This system could significantly boost organ donation rates, as seen in countries that already have it.
Second, doctors argue that people who have died due to cardiac arrest should also be eligible for organ donation. Unfortunately, this practice is only allowed in a handful of countries (ahem, Germany ain't one of them), but Switzerland, for example, saw a near-double increase in donations through organ removal after cardiac arrest.
Lastly, increasing public awareness, education, and advocacy about organ donation could make a significant difference. Education should focus on the importance of registration and removal of stigmas around organ donation. Furthermore, promoting organ donation within the healthcare community could also encourage more individuals to consider becoming donors.
It's high time we start treating organ donation as a matter of kindness and compassion, because let's face it, any one of us could be next on the waiting list. So, let's do our part and speak up for those who can't. It's time to make a change!
P.S.—Public support for organ donation is at 85%, but Germany still struggles with donor numbers due to strict eligibility criteria, low registration rates, and cultural biases.Opt-out systems and expanding donor criteria could significantly boost donor numbers, while increased public awareness and education could help shift cultural attitudes and encourage more people to register as donors.
The community policy could include provisions for promoting organ donation and increasing public awareness, education, and advocacy to encourage more individuals to register as organ donors.
The employment policy, in collaboration with the health-and-wellness sector, could support research and initiatives aimed at improving medical-conditions related to organ donation and transplantation, such as developing new procedures and reducing waiting times for transplant recipients.
