In 2024, Vietnam sets a record with 41 organ donations from brain-dead donors, four times higher than in 2023, marking a breakthrough in the field of organ transplantation.
Doctors at Central Military Hospital 108 performed multi-tissue and organ transplants. (Photo courtesy of the hospital)
At a conference summarizing the network of organ and tissue donations from brain-dead people in 2024, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan said that the number of organ donations from brain-dead people accounted for 13% of the total number of organ transplants in the country. Thanks to this increase, the health sector has successfully performed many complex transplants such as simultaneous heart-liver transplants, tracheal transplants from brain-dead donors - a rare technique in the world, and three lung transplants in 2024, bringing the total number of lung transplants in Vietnam to 12 since 2017.
In addition, dozens of associations promoting human tissue and organ donation have been established at both public and private medical facilities, contributing to a significant increase in the number of people registering to donate organs. These efforts have helped organ transplants become one of the typical medical events in Vietnam last year.
However, Deputy Minister Tran Van Thuan admitted that there are still many challenges. There are currently no specific mechanisms and policies for tissue and organ donation consulting and mobilizing activities. Only a few hospitals have consulting teams due to the lack of appropriate remuneration. In addition, costs related to organ transplants have not been unified, causing difficulties for hospitals in the implementation process.
The Ministry of Health is gradually completing the policy, including updating professional guidelines, technical and economic norms, and building a reasonable payment mechanism to ensure sustainability. At the same time, the National Organ Transplant Coordination Centre is proposing a “National Organ Donation Day” to honor those who have donated their tissues and organs.
In the future, the health sector sets the goal of bringing Vietnam on par with other countries in the region in terms of techniques and organ transplant and donation rates, contributing to saving more lives./.
BTA