Kuala Lumpur:Some 10,036 patients in Malaysia are living with organ failure as of October 15, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to the country's organ donation and transplant system to improve access to life-saving treatment.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasized the urgency due to the deceased-donor rate of 1.33 per million population. The establishment of the National Transplant Council (MTK) is seen as a strategic move to strengthen governance and drive the national organ donation agenda through a whole-of-government approach, thus replacing the fragmented efforts of individual agencies.

Dr Dzulkefly highlighted that MTK would enhance coordination among ministries and agencies, including emergency air transport facilitated by Mercy Flight, the Fire and Rescue Department, and the Defence Ministry, along with police Outrider escorts to reduce delays. A proposal under consideration is to include organ donor registration status on driving licences, in collaboration with the Transport Ministry, supported by sustainable funding from the Finance Ministry and religious guidance from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

He chaired the first MTK meeting recently, outlining that the reforms aim to ensure transparent and fair allocation of organs based on medical priorities, enhance public confidence in organ donation governed by the Human Tissues Act 1974 and relevant religious rulings, and improve logistics to ensure quick delivery of donated organs to operating theatres.

The Health Ministry is also committed to strengthening public awareness campaigns through the "Warisku, Hormati Ikrarku" initiative, emphasizing the respect of donors' pledges and the collective responsibility to support patients awaiting transplants.