April 28, 1997
Donormobile, a new mobile health education centre featuring interactive computer games and audio-visual displays, was launched on 28.4.97 to promote the general awareness of organ donation.
Introduced by the Department of Health's Central Health Education Unit (CHEU) with a donation of HK$4.6 million from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, Donormobile will bring its message of organ donation to various locations in Hong Kong.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Director of Health, Dr Margaret Chan expressed hope that the coach would help raise public awareness and clarify myths surrounding organ donation.
She pointed out that organ transplantation could save lives of leukaemia patients, those at end stages of organ failure and those suffering from severe burns.
"It is very encouraging to hear reports that a number of persons we are familiar with have committed to donating their cornea," she said. "However, human organs like the heart, liver and kidney, bone marrow as well as skin are also needed for transplantation."
The Department of Health has been working hard over the past years to promote organ donation by organising different kinds of promotional activities. Dr Chan appealed to the public to support organ donation and expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for their generous donation.
Also speaking at the function, Chairperson of the Human Organ Transplant Board, Mrs Sophie Leung, pointed out that there are currently more than 2,000 patients waiting for organ transplantation.
"In 1995, about 140 organs were donated. This figure increased to 350 last year -- a two-and-a-half-fold increase," Mrs Leung noted, adding that "more than 170,000 registrations had been recorded by the Hong Kong Medical Association for organ donation as at the end of 1996."
In addition to interactive computer games and audio-visual booths, the Donormobile is equipped with human models and a mini library. The mobile coach will visit housing estates, schools, and major shopping centres in its quest to educate the people of Hong Kong on the benefits of organ donation.
More information on the newly introduced service is available by calling the CHEU at 2572 1476.