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There are signs of an increasing acceptance of organ donation in the Hong Kong community in recent months, the Assistant Director of Health (Health Promotion), Dr Regina Ching, said today (January 2).
As at December 31, 2010, more than 68,000 members of the public had registered through the Centralised Organ Donation Register (CODR) since its establishment in November 2008, indicating people's increasing willingness to donate their organs after death.
Speaking at a promotional activity for organ donation, Dr Ching said, "At the beginning of the new year 2011, we hope more people will commit to the charitable act of organ donation by signing up as potential donors. Organ donation after death not only gives new life to patients awaiting organ transplant but also brings hope to their families."
Dr Ching restated that the Department of Health (DH) was committed to promoting organ donation and would continue its effort, together with relevant organisations, to drive home the organ donation message.
At today's promotional activity at the Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo, Customs Inspector Hui Sai-man, who donated part of his liver to save the life of a colleague, also appealed to the public to sign up for organ donation after death.
It is easy to register as an organ donor. Members of the public can simply register online at www.organdonation.gov.hk.
Registration forms can also be obtained at public and private hospitals, Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Donation Centres, Health Centres of DH, the Hong Kong Medical Association, tertiary academic institutions, various non-government organisations and private companies.
The completed forms can then be dropped into a post box and delivered to DH free of charge. Alternatively, they can be returned by fax to 2127 4926.
More information about organ donation can be obtained from the Organ Donation website, www.organdonation.gov.hk, or through the 24-hour health education hotline 2833 0111.
Ends/Sunday, January 2, 2011
Issued at HKT 13:30
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