Organ Donation: What It Is, How It Works, and Its Impact on Patients’ Lives
Donating Organs is Giving Life
Did you know that a single organ donor can save up to 8 lives and improve the quality of life for more than 50 people? Organ donation is an altruistic act that can mean the difference between life and death for thousands of patients worldwide.
Dr. Héctor Romero, an internist and operational coordinator for organ donation at Hospital Serena del Mar, explains what it means to donate, how the process works in Colombia, the most common myths, and how you can join this life-changing decision.
What is Organ and Tissue Donation?
Organ and tissue donation involves taking healthy organs and tissues from a person (donor) to transplant them into others (recipients). Donation can be done voluntarily during life or after death, with the goal of giving someone a second chance or significantly improving their quality of life.
Why Are Organ Donors Needed in Colombia?
The number of patients waiting for an organ has increased due to the rise of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and liver diseases, as well as longer life expectancy. However, the number of donors has not kept pace, creating a concerning imbalance. One key reason is the lack of a donation culture.
Talking with your family and clearly expressing your willingness to donate is crucial for making this process possible.
Real Benefits of Organ and Tissue Donation
- A single donor can save up to 8 lives.
- Donation of tissues such as corneas, skin, and bones can improve the quality of life for over 50 people.
- It represents a legacy of love and solidarity that transcends even after death.
- It can have a positive impact on the grieving process of donor families.
Myths and Truths About Organ Donation in Colombia
- Myth: Organ and tissue trafficking exists in Colombia.
Truth: It does not. Organ trafficking is a crime under Law 1805 of 2016. - Myth: Donors are disfigured after organ or tissue removal.
Truth: Donors’ bodies retain their physical appearance after the procedure. - Myth: Wealthy people have privileges for organ transplants.
Truth: Allocation is based on criteria such as weight, size, and compatibility—not money. - Myth: Religions oppose organ and tissue donation.
Truth: Many religions, including Catholicism, support donation as an act of solidarity and love. - Myth: If a hospital knows I’m a donor, they won’t try to save my life.
Truth: Health services always prioritize saving the patient’s life. - Myth: I can’t be a donor due to a medical condition or age.
Truth: Anyone can be a donor regardless of age or medical condition. Eligibility is assessed at the time of death. - Myth: Families must pay for donation or transplantation.
Truth: Organ donation and transplantation are free of charge, covered by the Health Benefits Plan (PBS).
How Organ Donation Works in Colombia
Colombia’s Law 1805 of 2016 establishes a legal presumption of donation, meaning everyone is considered a donor unless they explicitly opted out during their lifetime. The recommendation is to register your decision about donation, but most importantly, discuss it with your family.
A Commitment to Life
Organ donation is an invaluable gift that reflects the power of solidarity. At Hospital Serena del Mar, we believe in educating, raising awareness, and supporting families throughout this process.
Talking about donation is talking about life. Our specialists can guide and advise you. Discuss donation with your family and help spread this message of hope and life.
