ORGAN DONATION

Column: 451

ORGAN DONATION: **

(Reimbursement to donors): **

30.

Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong asked the Minister for Health whether the Minister will elaborate on how reimbursement to organ donors is preferable to other methods that might govern an organ procurement system to increase organ supply.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: I have set out the Ministry's position on kidney transplant when I spoke in this House on 21st July. First, we will focus on prevention, especially on diabetes management to reduce the incidence of kidney failure. This means getting all diabetic patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Second, we will focus on raising kidney transplant rate through promoting and supporting altruistic kidney donation by both cadavers and related living donors. We have some way to go, as compared to, say, Spain and Norway. These must be the main sources of kidneys for transplantation. Specifically, I will come back to this House to amend the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA) in 3 areas: (a) lift the HOTA age limit, (b) allow pair-matched transplants by living donors, (c) support the welfare of donors, including financial reimbursement to cover the additional expenses that they have to incur as a result of their kidney donation. These would include costs such as for additional medical care, loss of income and higher insurance premiums. Such reimbursement is best done by a voluntary welfare organisation, which will need to raise funds from the public to support such a mission.

Reimbursement to kidney donors is to help protect donor welfare and reduce the barriers against kidney donation. I believe our society should readily acknowledge the contribution of these donors who have given a kidney to save someone's life. An adequate financial reimbursement will be a practical gesture. The National Kidney Foundation has come forward to help in this effort and my Ministry is working out the details with them.