DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) inaugurated the Doha International Center for Strategy and Leadership in Transplantation through a special ceremony specifically held to honour organ donors and family members of diseased donors, in recognition of their post-mortem donations.
Hamad Medical Corporations (HMC) Chief Medical Officer Dr Abdulla Al Ansari, said Qatars organ donation and transplantation programs have changed the lives of thousands since it was established, pointing out that he is proud to be adding another milestone to HMC's programs, in pursuit of establishing the Doha International Center for Strategy and Leadership in Transplantation.
For his part, HMCs Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Clinical Affairs and Director of Qatar Center for Organ Transplantation Dr Yousef Al Maslamani said Qatars Organ Transplant Program offers kidney, liver and lung transplant surgeries. He added that HMC is one of the most comprehensive transplant centers in the region.
Qatar is recognized as a regional leader in both organ donation and transplantation. Respect for human rights, autonomy and equity made Qatar a model of ethical and best clinical practice that is much-admired by the international transplant community, added Dr Al Maslamani.
Dr Al Maslamani underlined that HMC has been able to build this on the sustained success of the Doha Donation Accord that was achieved through innovative thinking, ethical values, widespread community acceptance and robust governmental support. Now it is Qatar's turn to help other countries through the Doha International Center for Strategy and Leadership in Transplantation.
Director of the Qatar Organ Donation Center and Transplantation Society Councillor for the Middle east, West and Central Asia Dr Riadh Fadhil said the Doha International Center for Strategy and Leadership in Transplantation has been established by the Ministry of Public Health with the aim of developing a plan of action to address global challenges collaborative efforts with the World Health Organization and key international stakeholders.
The Center aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 - Social Development pillar that advocates development of a just and caring society based on high moral standards, and capable of playing a significant role in the global partnership for development," Dr Riadh said, adding that this Qatar-led initiative is coupled with Qatars commitment to help other countries to develop their own ethical and effective donation and transplantation programs.
In 2024, around one quarter of Qatars adult population, 131 nationalities, are registered organ donors and has a single organ transplant waiting list and fair access to transplant services for all nationalities.
An organ transplant can be a life-saving procedure. It can also significantly improve the quality of life for someone with chronic organ failure. A deceased organ donor can save up to eight lives. It is also possible to donate a kidney or part of the liver while alive.