Federal Health Minister promotes organ donation

Federal Health Minister Philipp Rösler promotes organ donation

The lack of a donor organ is becoming increasingly serious in Germany, too, and the reservations in the population are still too great. Therefore, Federal Minister of Health dr. Philipp Rösler (FDP) now strong for filling out a donor badge. Around 12,000 people in Germany are currently waiting for a suitable donor organ, according to the German Foundation for Organ Transplantation (DSO). „There is room to move up here“, stressed Rösler on the launch of a corresponding education campaign.

Organ donations are not enough
Although a recent survey by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) has shown a slight increase in willingness to donate in Germany, the available organ donation is far from sufficient. Only one person in four has a donor card (2008: 17 percent). Two years ago, 67 percent of 14- to 75-year-olds agreed to donate organs and today 74 percent would be willing to take such a step.

Contradiction solution for Germany unthinkable
A contradiction solution, as practiced in other EU countries, the Federal Health Minister Philipp Rösler however, as problematic. According to this, doctors could remove organs from all brain-dead organs if the affected persons did not contradict them beforehand. Rösler, on the other hand, still considers it sensible that those affected must first confirm their willingness to donate organs by means of a passport or statements to relatives.

Traveling exhibition of the BZgA on organ donation
The BZgA has launched a touring exhibition as part of its education campaign with which it wants to promote organ donation. Three people die every day in Germany because there are no suitable donor organs such as kidney, liver or pancreas. Elisabeth Pott, Director of the BZgA. Both the BZgA and the Federal Ministry of Health called on citizens to become organ sponsors, d. H. to declare one's own willingness to make a donation later and to promote acquaintances for organ donations. (fp, 12.10.2010)