Chief Physician of Denizli Private Egekent Hospital, Specialist Dr. Gökhan Peker, in a statement made on the occasion of Organ Donation Week (November 3-9), noted that the number of organ transplants in the country is not at a sufficient level and called on citizens to be more conscious.
Dr. Peker emphasized that the number of patients waiting for an organ transplant in Turkey has exceeded 26,000, but donations are still insufficient, stating, “Patients are waiting for the day they can cling to life again through kidney, heart, or liver transplants. Many people lose their lives because an organ transplant cannot be performed.” He added that the distribution of organs is carried out in the most just and transparent way under the coordination and supervision of the Ministry of Health.
Peker explained that those who wish to donate organs can obtain detailed information by applying to provincial health directorates, hospitals, organ transplant centers, and family health centers. He continued: “Those who want to donate organs apply to the specified places, sign a document in the presence of two witnesses, and receive an organ donation card. The person who receives the card must always carry it with them. Anyone over the age of 18 and of sound mind can donate organs and obtain an organ donation card.”
“Become a donor and touch people’s lives”
Calling on people to be especially sensitive during Organ Donation Week, Peker said: “You too should become a donor. Share with your family that you have donated your organs. Take responsibility on this vital issue and save a life.”