22 March 2005

AMSTERDAM — After MPs recently rejected an automatic registration system, some 10,000 new people have come forward as potential organ donors since the start of March. This is compared to the average of 2,000 per month.

MPs rejected the automatic donor system two weeks ago, leaving the present voluntary system in force. Those who wish to donate their organs upon death must register themselves.

In response to the parliamentary vote, the Kidney Foundation (Nierstichting) and the Health Ministry launched publicity campaigns to attract more donors. The initiatives appear to have met with success.

The donor databank is being inundated with questions and said the increase in registrations is due to the fact that people have started discussing organ donation due to the greater amount of publicity, news service 'NOS' reported on Tuesday.

The Health Ministry said the number of registrations has already grown by 50,000 in the past year and the number continues to grow. Many people who previously refused to register as a donors changed that choice this month.

In rejecting the automatic donor system, MPs urged the government to improve the present voluntary system. About 200 people die every year due to a shortage of donor organs.

It is not yet certain whether the recent increase in donors is a permanent trend or an incidental increase. Patient organisations have also warned that an extra 8,000 registrations is insufficient to eliminate shortfalls.

[Copyright Expatica News 2005]

Subject: Dutch news