Organ donors are praised as ‘paragons of selflessness’
Organ donors were heralded as paragons of the community yesterday as doctors announced record numbers of transplant operations in the UAE.
More than 35 successful operations were carried out at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi last year, up from five in 2017.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance, applauded the generosity of donors and congratulated the hospital’s staff.
Sheikh Nahyan said providing the gift of life to others represented the height of humanity, compassion and benevolence.
“Donors of organs are paragons of selflessness in a world too often awash in selfish, self-serving actions,” he said. “While we celebrate
the continuation of life made possible by the generosity of donors, we also mourn the loss of those donors who have passed from this life.”
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi opened its doors four years ago.
Two years later, medics performed the hospital’s first kidney transplant, and the surgical team has since been rapidly expanded.
By the end of last year, staff had successfully performed the transplants of three heart, three lungs, 10 livers and 19 kidneys.
This year, surgeons hope to continue the pace of their progress, while trying to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.
“We are three years into the programme and have had remarkable success,” said Dr Rakesh Suri, the hospital’s chief executive.
“We wanted the best outcome for our patients and there was a lot of pressure. When a transplant programme isn’t successful, it becomes very public.
“Everyone was worried about doing something that had never been done before.”
Organ transplants have been common around the world for decades, with the first transplant performed in Boston, in the US, in 1954.
But for years, cultural and religious sensitivities in the UAE divided opinion over such procedures. But that began to change in 2016, when laws were introduced allowing transplants.
“It’s delightful to see how far the nation has come in the deliverance of renowned healthcare treatments and procedures,” said Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, chairman of the Department of Health.
“We’re now are working to raise awareness of organ donation and how vital it is to save lives and improve the quality of health care provided.” Hazem Abdel Kader, 45, told
The National how his life was saved by a liver transplant at the Cleveland Clinic in June.
Mr Abdel Kader said that in 2015 he had autoimmune hepatitis diagnosed, a disease where the body’s immune system begins attacking liver cells.
“I didn’t have any health problems and then, within two months, I was told my liver had deteriorated,” the Egyptian said.
“I needed a liver transplant ... and a family whose son had died agreed. I tried to find out who they were and meet them, but I failed. They gave me the gift of life. I wouldn’t be alive today if wasn’t for their son.
“I wish people could think of their loss as a chance to save another person’s life. I’ll be forever grateful. I feel like I’ve been born again.”
Sultan Al Muhairi, 38, an Emirati, explained how he had suffered major heart failure in October. His transplant also saved his life.
“Every day I listen to my heart beat and think of the people who made my life possible,” Mr Al Muhairi said.
“I’d like to thank my donor and their family. These procedures are truly a great step in the development of the country.”
Yet despite the UAE’s success in treating more patients in desperate need of transplants, medics remain all too aware of the continuing shortage of donors. The problem is the same around the world.
Organ donor cards are one way to address the dilemma.
Dr Ali Al Obaidli, chairman of the UAE’s National Organ Transplant Committee, said it was important that people let family members know they wanted their organs to be donated after their death.
“We are establishing a system that will support the public to exercise their right to donate and save lives,” Dr Al Obaidli said.
“We are also putting in place the appropriate framework to support transplant patients before, during and after they have surgery.”
“I wish people could think of their loss as a chance to save another person’s life. I feel like I’ve been born again HAZEM ABDEL KADER Liver transplant patient