THE PHILIPPINES has a legal framework in place to manage its organ donation system, but several key issues need to be addressed to make the process more efficient, transparent, and accessible to those in need.
While the Philippine Network for Organ Sharing (PHILNOS) plays a vital role in coordinating organ transplants, there are still many unanswered questions regarding the process, logistics, and overall system effectiveness.
The Role of LTO
One important aspect of the current system is the mandate requiring the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to include an organ donor form at the back of driver’s licenses. This allows drivers to indicate their willingness to donate organs in the event of their death.
However, does the LTO maintain a database of prospective organ donors? If so, how is this database accessed in real-time by hospitals that need to locate suitable organ donors immediately after death?
Organ Availability and Hospital Notification
A major concern is whether there is a system in place to promptly notify hospitals about the availability of organs that can be harvested. Time is a critical factor in organ transplantation, and a delay in notification could mean the loss of viable organs.
How are the organs harvested? Are they removed in hospital operating rooms or specialized facilities?
Identifying Recipients and Selection Protocol
Another critical question is how organ recipients are identified and located. What is the process for choosing the beneficiary or donee?
Is there a national waitlist that prioritizes patients based on urgency, compatibility, and fairness? Are hospitals required to have ethics committees to oversee the selection process and ensure transparency?
Logistics of Organ Transport
Once an organ is ready for transplantation, how is it transported between hospitals? Is there a dedicated transport system for human organs? Who pays for the costs associated with transporting organs?
Are medical evacuation (med evac) airplanes or helicopters available for long-distance transfers?
Additionally, does PhilHealth provide coverage for organ acquisition and transport costs?
The Role of PHILNOS and Data Security
PHILNOS maintains the organ donation database, but how is it managed and funded? Is it fully secure, and who has authorized access? Are there data recovery and mirror sites in case of a system failure?
Furthermore, who serves as the database administrator, and what improvements are needed to enhance the security and efficiency of PHILNOS? (To be continued)/PN
