Organ transplant achieves milestone

@kabeeryousef

Marking a milestone in organ transplant in the country, the first Oman Transplantation Society under the Oman Medical Specialty Board came into force, setting humanitarian targets and helping those in need of organ transplants.

In the Sultanate, organ donation is legally regulated, and the Society will facilitate patients with organ failure to receive a replacement organ transplant from a legal donor as soon as possible.

"The very thought of Oman Transplant Society (OTS) was born out of the fact that a person who dies of brain damage can let not less than eight others who are in need of organs live," said a highly placed source at the OTS.

"Many a time, those who fly out in need of suitable organ are subjected to illegal practices including cheating and damage to health, and the like and being able to get the required organ from a legitimate donor at home would reduce such incidents."

Accordingly, the Society will organise awareness and educational campaigns for various segments of society on the importance of organ donation besides organising meetings, seminars and scientific conferences for medical and paramedical cadres to inform them of the latest developments in the field of organ transplantation, to begin with.

This shall be followed by the implementation of programmes, events and activities that support organ transplantation and issuing protocols and treatment guides for organ transplantation among the members of the society.

Dr Ahmed al Busaidi is the President of the Society, while Dr Maiseen al Kalbani is the Deputy head. Dr Warith al Hashami, Dr Huda al Khalili, Dr Said al Busafi, Dr Fathaya al Harthiya, and Dr Khalid al Balushi are the other office-bearers of the Society.

His Eminence Ahmed bin Hamed al Khalil, the Grand Mufti of Oman had earlier issued a fatwa (official, religious announcement) clarifying the Islamic stance that promote organ donation and reception which based on genuine grounds and not on commercial motive.

Accordingly, organ or human tissue transplantation should not be conducted unless it is the only available option. All other organ and human tissue transplantation are banned if it leads to race mixing and can attract fine of RO 10,000.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a decision (No 179/2018) that regulated the transfer and transplantation of human organs and tissues.

In light of the decision, no organ transplantation in return for compensation, both monetary and in kind, shall be conducted, nor shall a person's need or ignorance to get his approval to be taken advantage of.

Any advertisement promoting the sale and purchase of organs and human tissues is strictly banned, and violations will lead to a fine of RO 6,000.

Denfinitity of both parties (donor and the recipient) should not be revealed to each other unless there is a mutual agreement. Otherwise, an administrative fine of RO 3,000 will be imposed.

The Oman Transplantation Society shall also form support groups for organ donors and patients who have had an organ transplant and their families.

Oman's national programme for organ transplantation will be made to reach potential donors and recipients in cooperation with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and various relevant authorities.