One of the most remarkable successes in the history of medicine is the evolution of medical science such that it allows for healthy organs from a deceased person to be transplanted into a patient suffering from organ failure. There are some 440 patients on the National Kidney Transplant waiting list in Singapore – some of whom have waited as long as 19 years – and similar shortages of deceased donor livers, hearts and corneas. The shortage is so critical that over a period of 6 years (1998 to 2003) the number of people who waited for a kidney peaked at 673. The growing demand for deceased organs to save a human life is a 'wake-up call' for us to do more for those whose only hope for a new lease of life is to receive a life-saving transplant. Today, more than 450 patients wait for a suitable organ match to end their suffering. In 2008, 29 patients died while waiting for a suitable organ match, of which ten patients were waiting for a suitable donor liver. Meanwhile 55 were taken off the various transplant lists because they became too sick for a transplant.

In Singapore, the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA), a presumed consent scheme, which was first enacted in 1987, allows for the corneas, heart, kidney, liver of all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, 21 years and above*, who have not opted out of HOTA to be removed for donation upon death. This has helped save many more lives each year. Before HOTA, those who wished to donate their organs had to actively pledge their intention through the Medical (Therapy, Education and Research) Act (MTERA).  *From 1 November 2009, HOTA will cover all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents 21 years old and above, who are of sound mind, unless they have opted out. The upper age limit of 60 years has been removed. For the most commonly asked questions about HOTA, MTERA and organ transplant in Singapore, click here.