Lo Chung-mau Urges Public Support for Organ Donation on Organ Donation Day
SingTao · 5 SOURCESabout 18 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau (盧寵茂) attended the opening ceremony of the "Organ Donation Day 2026" promotional event at Hong Kong Children's Hospital on Saturday, calling on unregistered citizens to support organ donation . The Central Organ Donation Register has reached a record 425,000 registrants, yet this represents less than 6 percent of Hong Kong's approximately 7.5 million population, leaving considerable room for growth . With over 2,000 patients currently awaiting organ transplants, demand remains significant . Last year, 37 deceased donors enabled approximately 100 transplants across kidney, liver, heart, and lung categories . Meanwhile, Tuen Mun Hospital conducted its first "Honor Walk" ceremony to honor organ donors, joining Queen Elizabeth Hospital and United Christian Hospital in this practice .
Key Points
- The Central Organ Donation Register, established in 2008, has grown to 425,000 registrants, a record high, but covers less than 6 percent of Hong Kong's 7.5 million residents .
- More than 2,000 patients are currently on the organ transplant waiting list in Hong Kong, highlighting the persistent gap between supply and demand .
- Last year, 37 deceased donors facilitated 58 kidney transplants, 29 liver transplants, 12 heart transplants, and 6 lung transplants, benefiting approximately 100 patients and their families .
- Tuen Mun Hospital held its first "Honor Walk" ceremony, where medical staff lined hospital corridors to pay silent tribute as a donor's bed passed by, accompanying the donor on their final journey .
- The Advance Medical Directive legislation has been passed, allowing citizens to make advance arrangements for organ donation, potentially increasing future donor numbers .
Why It Matters
Organ donation directly saves lives and transforms the futures of patients and their families, with each donor potentially helping six to seven individuals regain health . The low registration rate of under 6 percent means thousands of patients remain on waiting lists, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness and participation in the organ donation system .
Organ donation directly saves lives and transforms the futures of patients and their families, with each donor potentially helping six to seven individuals regain health . The low registration rate of under 6 percent means thousands of patients remain on waiting lists, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness and participation in the organ donation system .