21 Nov 2010
A ceremony marking the second anniversary of the launching of the Centralised Organ Donation Register (CODR) was held at Kowloon Park today (November 21).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, said that organ donation would brighten up the lives of patients waiting for organ transplant. He was glad that over 60,000 people have registered through CODR since its launch two years ago, and called upon caring individuals to register online as soon as possible.
Dr Chow also reminded those having completed the registration process to make known their wish to family members so that their noble wish to help those in need of organ donation could be realised when they pass away.
There is increasing social acceptance of organ donation, as evidenced by the significant rise in the number of organ transplant cases in recent years. According to the Hospital Authority, 147 cases of kidney and liver transplant have been performed up to October 2010. There were 179 such transplant cases in 2009, compared to 145 cases in 2008 and 123 cases in 2001.
Dr Chow said: "We plan to develop an 'Organ Donation Garden' using a piece of about 300-square-metre land near the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre of the Kowloon Park.??The landscape design, structural installations and architecture of the garden will echo the theme 'Light Up Lives' through organ donation."
"The garden will be used as an amenities area, an educational site on organ donation and a place for saluting organ donors, as well as providing a venue for publicity activities aimed at promoting online registration for organ donation," he said.
Speaking at the same occasion, the Deputy Director of Health, Dr Gloria Tam, expressed gratitude to organisations which have rendered support for promoting organ donation.??She added that the Department of Health (DH), Hospital Authority, Hong Kong Society of Transplantation and Will in Action have jointly produced four new promotional videos to call on people to support organ donation.
As at the end of October, more than 280 organisations, including government departments, private companies and community groups, have indicated support for organ donation. Among them, 160 have established on their websites hyperlinks with DH's organ donation website to maximise the impact of online publicity.
In addition, over a million promotional leaflets with CODR registration form and organ donation cards have been distributed through promotion activities jointly organised with various bodies.
The Government will continue its effort through promotion and education work on organ donation to encourage more people to join the league.
The CODR provides multiple channels (including internet, email or fax) for the public to more conveniently register their wish to donate organs after death. By making the wish of the donor more readily accessible to Transplant Coordinators at the critical moment, the CODR helps make their will come true in lighting up people's lives.
Those who wish to donate organs after death can register by filling in the organ donation registration form online (website www.organdonation.gov.hk ). The registration form can also be sent to CODR System Administrator, Department of Health, 21st floor, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai or by fax (2127 4926).??Persons recording their wish may amend or withdraw their registration through DH.
Registration forms can also be obtained at public and private hospitals, Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Donation Centres, Health Centres of DH, premises of Hong Kong Medical Association, tertiary academic institutions, various non-government organisations and private companies.
More information about organ donation can be obtained at the Organ Donation website www.organdonation.gov.hk or through the 24-hour health education hotline at 2833 0111.