Health regulators have established a committee in Dubai to oversee the anticipated growth of organ donation and transplant operations.
Although Dubai Health Authority is yet to perform an organ transplant, 22 successful operations have been completed so far in Abu Dhabi since a law change in 2016.
The DHA committee will regulate the transport and transplantation of organs and tissues in Dubai and take responsibility for standardising and regulating the transplant process.
“Producing a comprehensive programme will relieve the pain of patients and reduce the burden on the health sector,” said Dr Marwan Al Mulla, CEO of the Health Regulation Sector at the DHA.
“It is especially important when it comes to chronic cases that will be treated according to legislation and standards based on international practices.”
The country legalised the removal of organs from dead patients only last year. That paving the way for heart, liver and other organs to be given to those in need.
Transplants from living donors has been permitted for many years - but meant only kidneys could be donated, usually from a family member.
Once approved by the DHA, demand for transplants is expected to be high.
Nationally, more than 1,000 people are currently on dialysis and in need of a kidney transplant.
More than 70 medics attended a Rashid Hospital workshop to share the latest surgical techniques and developments.
The workshop aims to ensure that the UAE follows uniform standards across all its medical facilities and raises the level of cooperation between intensive care units.
The DHA aims to enable the largest number of people to donate and provide support for hospitals to donate and build relationships with other hospitals in the UAE.
_________________
Read more:
How stories of UAE's 'hero' donors are changing attitudes towards giving an organ
UAE prepares for organ donor registration programme this summer
UAE doctors encourage public to join organ donor registry