A New Donation Means a New Life

Organ donation refers to the process of removing the organs and tissues of an individual following his/her brain death before witnesses and transplanting them on other patients. Organ donation is subject to prior consent of the donor during his/her lifetime. Anyone above 18 with no mental disorders may donate his/her organs. Individuals may donate only one or all of their organs.

In Europe and America "Organ Donation Week" is observed at different times of the year. In our country and Turkey, the "Organ Donation Week " is observed between 3 and 9 November. The primary aim of the "Organ Donation Week" is to make organ donation and transplant a widespread practice and, at the same time, to raise public awareness in the said issue. Despite its importance regarding human health, organ donation and transplant is a new issue in our country.

The act for "Human Cells, Tissue and Organ Transplant" was passed from the TRNC Assembly on 27 October 2014. In this respect, the first organ transplant took place in Nicosia Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital on 28 July 2015. Our fundamental duty as members of this society is to remember that each donation means a new life and that organ donation is one of our societal duties. 

Prof.Dr. Nahide GÖKÇORA