Appeal Message from the Chairman of the Hospital Authority

With the advancement of medical technologies, human life expectancy has been increasing over the years. However, for patients suffering from organ failure, organ transplantation is the spring of hope to improve their health and enhance their quality of life. In Hong Kong, there is a considerable shortfall of organs available for transplantation. The desperate patients and families often have no choice but to wait for miracles to happen. Some patients have even passed away without getting a successful match.

Under the current opt-in policy of voluntary organ donation, it is highly commendable that the deceased and their family make a selfless decision to donate deceased organs for patients in need of organ transplantation. Their unconditional love can not only give hope of life to the patients, but also ease their family from hardships in life. We know many organ recipients have returned to work after transplantation, and some are actively participating in volunteer work and sports activities. Without the benevolence of the deceased donors, the patients can hardly turn over a new leaf of life and live it to the full.

An important decision to donate organs and tissues after death can rekindle the hope of life for over 2,000 patients awaiting organ transplantation. Every donated organ or tissue is precious. I sincerely appeal you all to support organ and tissue donation by registering your wish of donation in the Department of Health’s online system of Centralised Organ Donation Register. Please also tell your family members and spread this crucial message among your friends.

I hope you will walk the extra mile and pass on your great love, blessing and care to those who are still fighting for their well-deserved lives.

Mr Henry FAN Hung-ling, SBS, JP

Chairman of the Hospital Authority