Organ transplant programme needs more support

NST: Without strong financial backing, it will be difficult to develop the nation’s organ transplant programme.
Health Ministry Medical Development Division director Datuk Dr Noorimi Morad said the emphasis of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) is on other fields, including oncology, rehabilitation medicine and nuclear medicine.
At the 9th Scientific Meeting of the Malaysia Society of Transplantation held here, she said getting appropriate logistical support systems for organ transplants is another problem.
“For example, when there are changes in Malaysia Airlines’ management, we have to undertake a time-consuming review of the previous arrangements,” she said, stressing the need to set up a National Transplantation Policy and a dedicated fund to support it.
“The policy will incorporate strategies, act as a reference for medical professionals, and encompass the ethical issues of transplantation,” she said.
A special committee, she added, would hold its first meeting at Putrajaya today to look into organ transplantation in the country.