The Minister of Health, Azir Aliu, at the public panel discussion dedicated to organ donation, which was held yesterday in Gostivar, presented the systemic measures and policies that are implemented for the promotion of organ donation in the country.
– It means a lot to me that today we are talking about organ donation in Gostivar, in my hometown. There are topics that require not only politics, but also humanity, trust and moral maturity of society. Organ donation is just such a topic, which opens one of the deepest questions that our society can ask itself: can we create hope for someone else in the most difficult moment? Our task is to build trust and create a system in which the family will know in advance the will of their loved one. Organ donation must not be a topic we first discuss in a hospital corridor, in moments filled with tragedy. We need to speak at home, in families, in schools, at universities, between doctors and patients – publicly and without prejudice – Minister Aliu emphasized in his address.
In that direction, the Ministry of Health is conducting a continuous national campaign to raise awareness about organ donation as a permanent process of education. At the same time, efforts are being made to involve family doctors, schools, universities, patient associations and religious communities, with the aim of making this issue part of a mature and informed public dialogue. At the same time, continuous support is being provided for the transplant teams and a digital and legal framework is being prepared in which the will of the citizens will be clearly expressed, securely recorded and consistently respected.
– The procedure for amending and supplementing the Law on taking and transplanting parts of the human body for the purpose of treatment is underway, which has already been submitted to the Parliament after a shortened procedure. With that, the state shows that it treats organ donation not only as a moral issue, but also as a public priority. The Assembly sent a strong message of unity and consensus for strengthening organ donation, as the MPs from the government and the opposition voted for the need to pass the law after a shortened procedure. When it comes to life, there is no power and opposition, no political difference that can be more important than the duty to show that the state knows how to be on the side of humanity, dignity and hope. The proposed changes represent an important step towards a system in which the personal will of the citizens will be more clearly expressed, more firmly protected and more consistently respected – said Aliu.
With the legal amendments, every citizen of legal age will be able to tell his family doctor clearly whether he wants to be an organ donor, which will allow creating a clearer picture of citizens’ attitudes and will further strengthen trust and awareness about organ donation.
The amendments provide for the expansion of treatment opportunities by expanding the circle of living donors up to the fourth degree of kinship, in full compliance with all ethical, medical and legal standards.
– The statement will be made through a new digital module in “My term”, safe and with double verification. Every citizen will be able to change or withdraw their decision at any time. This is important in two respects. First, we will respect the personal freedom and will of each person. Second, finally as a country we will know how many citizens want to be organ donors. We will know where there is more awareness, and where there is fear, mistrust or insufficient knowledge about organ donation. When the system starts to be applied, I will be the first to register as an organ donor – Minister Aliu said.
