The Health Ministry yesterday launched the www.dermaorgan.gov.my website to create greater awareness among Malaysians on the importance of pledging their organs for donation upon their death.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said that up to Aug 31, 2013, the recorded number of those who pledged their organs was still low as only 233,573 people or 0.81 per cent of the country's population did so.
He said public awareness on organ donation was vital as the number of Malaysian patients still waiting for organ transplantation stood at 16,945 as at Aug 31, this year and most of them had kidney problems.
"During the same period, the number of cadaveric tissue donors (deceased) was also small at only 432. Overall, the number of patients requiring donated organs far outnumber the donors.
"Therefore, the ministry has drawn up the Organ Donation Strategic Awareness Plan," he added after launching the website at the ministry's headquarters, here.
Also present were his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya, the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Farida Mohd Ali and the director-general of Health Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
Dr Subramaniam said the awareness campaign through the new media, using the website launched today was among the actions taken by the ministry under the strategic plan.
It would serve as a one-stop centre to gather all information on organ donation.
"The ministry has obtained approval from the secretary-general of the Treasury, Finance Ministry, for exemption from any treatment charges at the government hospitals for deceased organ donors.
"This means the organ donors' family members need not pay for the hospital charges after the donation had been done," he said.
Dr Subramaniam said the Finance Ministry had also approved life-long free First Class treatment for organ donors, including those who donated their bone marrow or blood for hematopoeitic stem cell transplantation.
Bernama
Tue Sep 17 2013
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.