A health policy think tank has urged the government to consider adopting an opt‑out system for organ donation after health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said yesterday that objections from donors’ next-of-kin remained one of the main challenges for organ donation in the country.
The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy said the Human Tissues Act 1974 permits next‑of‑kin such as family members to legally override the expressed consent of individuals to donate their organs, even if they have registered as donors.
“This law is overdue for a revision as the current opt-in approach is not fit for purpose,” said the think tank’s CEO, Azrul Khalib.
“We argue that Malaysia should consider adopting an opt-out system which presumes that Malaysians are donors unless they actively record their objection or opt-out, (thus) ensuring that their wishes are honoured and carried out – even if families hesitate or object.
“This shift could significantly reduce the waiting list of over 10,000 patients in need of transplants as more organs are available. It will also save thousands of lives.”
Azrul said countries with opt‑out systems consistently achieve substantially higher donation rates, with studies showing that they typically have 25% to 30% higher donation rates over opt‑in systems.
He added that Malaysia would need additional investments in the development of the country’s transplant system, including training hospital transplant coordinators.
He said reforms should include safeguards to ensure accurate donor registries and proper oversight as well as accountability mechanisms.
