In commemoration of World Day of Transplant Patients, The Ombudsman’s Office makes an urgent call to citizens: it is crucial to raise awareness about this cause and become aware of the importance of registering as a donor. It is important to remember that, without donors, transplants are not possible.
It is essential to say yes to organ and tissue donation. This decision must be discussed by Colombians with their families and loved ones, so that, once they leave this earthly plane, their choice is respected. According to Law 1805 of 2016, we are all organ and tissue donors in the country.
According to figures from the National Institute of Health (INS), as of December 31 of the previous year, 3,696 people were waiting for a kidney; 176, a liver; 60, one lung; 15, a heart; one, an intestine; two, a pancreas, two kidneys and a heart; seven, a kidney and liver, and 43, a kidney and a pancreas. With this, the number of recipients on the organ waiting list in 2023 was 4,002, while in 2022 it was 3,663, which means an increase of 9.2%.
Also the previous year, 1,394 people were transplanted in Colombia; 1090 of them were recipients of organs from cadaveric donors and 304 from living donors. By tissues, the country presents an increase in donors of 24%, compared to 2022.
Therefore, the Ombudsman’s Office calls on the National Government and the actors in the health system to work to increase and reinforce dissemination and promotion campaigns related to this crucial issue.
For many patients with chronic or terminal illnesses, transplants represent their only hope for life. That is why it is important to promote a culture of organ and tissue donation, so that patients on the waiting list have the opportunity to continue living.
Organ and tissue transplants are medical procedures that have evidence of safety and effectiveness, and are performed in authorized health service-providing institutions. In Colombia they are covered by the health system for people who require them.
