KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — Some 10,036 patients in Malaysia are living with organ failure as of Oct 15, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms to the country’s organ donation and transplant system to improve access to life-saving treatment.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the need was increasingly urgent as the deceased-donor rate was 1.33 per million population.
He said the establishment of the National Transplant Council (MTK) was a strategic step towards strengthening governance and driving the national organ donation agenda through a whole-of-government approach, replacing the fragmented efforts of individual agencies.
“Through MTK, we are bringing together ministries and agencies to improve coordination. This includes emergency air transport through Mercy Flight, involving the Fire and Rescue Department and the Defence Ministry, as well as police Outrider escorts to minimise delays.
