World Organ Donation Day: the lack of donors continues to be a challenge

Illustrative Image. Photo fundaciontelevisa.org

Asunción, IP Agency.- In commemoration of World Organ, Tissue and Transplant Donation Day, the director of the National Institute of Ablation and Transplantation (INAT), Dr. Hugo Espinoza, reflected on the state of transplants in Paraguay, emphasizing that the greatest challenge remains the lack of donors.

In this sense, he explained that, although the number of transplants has increased compared to previous years, the country is still not growing at the necessary rate to meet the growing demand.

“The transplant is a direct consequence of the donation, and without donors, we cannot perform transplants,” said Espinoza, calling on the population to reflect on the importance of registering as donors.

Currently, more than 2,200 people are undergoing dialysis in the country, and 250 are on the waiting list, with kidney and cornea transplants being in greatest demand, according to the Ministry of Health report.

Transplants in the interior of the country

A successful model has been implemented in Ciudad del Este, where a traveling team composed of coordinators, anesthesiologists, surgeons and nephrologists performs transplants. This approach could be replicated in other regions of the country, such as Coronel Oviedo and Encarnación, which are close to opening high-complexity hospitals.

Medications and coverage

In terms of post-transplant medication, Espinoza assured that INAT continues to provide free anti-rejection medication for all transplant patients, despite the difficulties they sometimes face in public tenders.

«It is an extraordinary advance that we have in the country. Each patient can spend up to 10 million guaraníes per month on medication, but INAT covers these costs,” he highlighted.

Dr. Espinoza also recalled the importance of continuing to work on raising society’s awareness about organ donation, emphasizing education in schools, colleges and universities as a key to the future of transplants in Paraguay.

A constant commitment to save lives

“Today we talk as if the problem belonged to others, but at any moment we could be on the other side, in need of a transplant,” Espinoza reflected. The president of INAT reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to continue working to improve the transplant system in the country, but stressed that the success of these efforts depends on the support of society.