Over 2,700 patients await kidney donors in Oman

There are over 2,700 patients with kidney failure currently awaiting donors in Oman, according to reports from the National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP). As of May 2025, more than 20,000 people have registered as organ donors through the Shifa app, according to the statistics released by the Ministry of Health. 

Due to the concerted efforts of the Ministry in strengthening the National Organ Transplant Programme to increase the availability of organs and reduce the waitlist burden and creating awareness, there is an acute need for better educational programmes in organ donation, according to Dr Nasser Majid al Salmi (pictured), Head of the Department of Adult Health and Critical Care at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). 

 “There is a huge gap between the needy patients and donors, and there is a need for targeted awareness initiatives. Many regional studies have underscored the importance of improving perceptions about organ donation. The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and students as a critical group can influence a positive change in society,” he said, addressing the students of the SQU.

While the majority of patients are waiting for kidney transplants, others are listed for liver transplants, and it is found that many patients with organ failure do not have living donors. Kidney transplantation is the most common procedure, with hundreds of cases performed, including both living and brain-dead donor transplants.

However, the lack of brain-dead donors has historically exposed them to complications and fatalities while on the waiting list. According to available statistics, as many as 139 organ transplants were performed, including the nation's first heart transplant, by October 2025.

With creating awareness among the youth in mind, the Department of Adult Health and Critical Care at the College of Nursing, in collaboration with the Omani Center for Organ Transplantation, is conducting ‘Life After Life’ Workshop and Exhibition to Promote Organ Donation Awareness on April 23, from 8 am. The event aims to raise awareness about organ donation among nursing and medical students, who represent the future of healthcare leadership.

The programme will feature a series of expert-led sessions, interactive exhibits, and discussions designed to enhance understanding of organ donation and its life-saving impact. Despite encouraging findings from research conducted at the University, which revealed that students possess good knowledge about organ donation and brain death, a concerning trend of negative attitudes toward organ donation persists.

Dr Al Salmi hoped that the ‘Life After Life’ initiative reflects a continued commitment to fostering informed attitudes and encouraging future healthcare professionals to advocate for organ donation, ultimately contributing to saving lives and strengthening community health awareness.