Muslim organ transplants up

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_336498.html

MORE Muslims patients have benefitted from organ transplants since the community gave its backing to the Human Organ and Transplant Act (Hota) last August.
Giving an update on the life-saving Act, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan told Parliament on Tuesday that 19 Muslim patients received a transplant in 2007.

Last year, the number doubled to 38 - just after five months the Muslims joined Hota.

'I expect a record number this year,' said Mr Khaw, noting that the vast majority of Muslims, like non-Muslim Singaporeans have stayed in Hota and support organ donation.

He added that that four Muslim cadaveric donors had saved the lives of 15 organ recipients.

In terms of the percentage of all patients receiving transplants, Muslim recipients have increased their proportion from 11 per cent in the past, to 19 per cent last year.

Mr Khaw also gave the assurance that hospitals are sensitive to the need of relatives to take the bodies of their loved ones as soon as possible for religious rites.

'Our organ donation teams work through the night to ensure that the donation process is completed within hours. Adequate washing facilities in hospitals and a second sitting for Coroner's cases are now available to reduce any possible delays,' he said.

'I am particularly grateful to the support rendered by Muslim religious leaders. Upon request, they have readily gone to the hospitals, even in the middle of the night, to support the family through the grieving process and also to clarify any religious doubts regarding organ donation. This complements the work of our medical staff and social workers.'

He said the donation process will be improved to speed up the release of bodies.