Press Releases

SFH on organ donation

Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session after officiating at the launching ceremony of the Centralised Organ Donation Register today (November 24):

Reporter: (about organ donation)

Secretary for Food and Health: I believe that organ donation is a priceless gift. It is only through organ donation that certain lives can be extended and preserved. In our society that is filled with love and care, it is important that we should consider giving up our organs when they are no longer useful to us. I believe that we have very good results with our organ transplant operations. We have seen lives being saved and very desperate patients being saved. This is a very important message to the community and I believe Hong Kong people can do it.

Reporter: How confident are you that the Centralised Organ Donation Register will alleviate the problem that you mentioned before and that there won't be many miscommunications between patients and doctors, doctors and patients and relatives?

Secretary for Food and Health: With the experience of the transplant co-ordinator of the Hospital Authority, roughly about 45% to 55% of potential donors have denied the donation wish simply because they did not leave the wish with their family members. With this particular register, we will enable the family members to be reassured that the deceased had made certain wish before and it is much easier for them to make a decision on behalf of the patients.

Reporter: What if they change their mind on the death.....

Secretary for Food and Health: I think it is very unlikely. If my family member has made certain wish and unfortunately approaching death, I will certainly honour his or her wish.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)


Ends/Monday, November 24, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:26

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