While a single donor can save up to seven lives, the annual number of deceased donors remains in the low double digits, according to data from the ministry.
Each donation requires fast, tightly coordinated work across multiple hospital units – all while ensuring the donor’s and family’s wishes are respected.
HOW ORGAN DONATION WORKS
Organ donation in Singapore is governed by two legal frameworks.
The Human Organ Transplant Act covers the kidneys, heart, liver and corneas. It applies to all Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 21 and above who are not mentally disordered, unless they have opted out.
Those who opt out will have a lower priority on waiting lists if they need an organ transplant in the future. Opt-out rates have stayed stable at 3 per cent annually.
The second framework is the Medical (Therapy, Education and Research) Act. It allows all nationalities aged 18 and above to pledge additional organs, tissues or even their whole body for transplant, education or research.
On average, about 800 people have made such pledges every year for the past five years.
