Wasted organs – wasted lives

Hats off to my cousin, Michel Camilleri, for kick-starting a public petition for the local introduction of an ‘Opt Out Organ Donation’ system, which has had great success in Austria, Belgium, France, Sweden and other developed countries (apart from also being introduced in the UK) with the severe scarcity of human organs being overcome, practically overnight.

Government need not, however, be hesitant in this matter. On the contrary, it should wholeheartedly embrace and urgently legislate the introduction of the scheme to avoid so much unnecessary suffering and avoidable loss of life and, in the process, also make substantial savings on otherwise very inconvenient, costly and long- term treatment for so many patients. This is particularly so when, for once, an important national and apolitical issue that has just been thrust to the fore will serve to unite us, rather than divide.

Surely everyone is aware that no one (politicians included) is immune to the possibility of requiring an organ replacement at some stage in life and we would all be guilty by default for almost certain perpetual organ unavailability if we continue to opt for irresponsible inaction.

Together, we can create a truly national endless supply chain of healthy organs by at least agreeing to be charitable in death, rather than wilfully allowing our no longer required organs to go to waste.

Who can tell whose lives will – not could – be saved (including our own) if we act now? We all stand to gain if we are responsible and resolute; so let us prise our national charitable instinct wide open by doing our bit and signing the online peti- tion. It only takes a minute to complete and will spur the government into dealing with this matter expeditiously, as our collective voice will surely be heard.

If you agree, please visit this newspaper’s online portal, key in WASTED ORGANS – WASTED LIVES in its search field and click on the following link

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/community_petitions/Minister_of_He alth_Opt_out_system_of_organ_d ontaion/?emKTRaab&utm_so urce=sharetools&utm_mediu m=email&utm_campaign appearing on the online copy of this letter, which will automatically lead you to sign the actual online petition.

Through our inevitable demise, may we all willingly and generously donate life.

■ Jean-Pierre Azzopardi Swieqi