The number of patients waiting for organ transplantation reached 32 thousand: Alarm of decrease in donation rates

General Surgery Specialist Prof. from Güven Hospital Organ Transplantation Center, who made a statement within the scope of Organ Donation Week. Dr. Burak Işık stated that organ donation is one of the most valuable examples of solidarity that allows a new life to begin for another person when one person's life ends. Drawing attention to the high number of patients waiting for transplantation across Türkiye, Işık warned against the decrease in donation rates.

APPROXIMATELY 5 THOUSAND ORGAN TRANSPLANTATIONS WERE CARRIED OUT IN THE LAST YEAR

Reminding that approximately 32 thousand people are waiting for an organ transplant in Turkey, Prof. Dr. Burak Işık said that although approximately 5 thousand organ transplants have been performed in the last year, the number of waiting patients shows that more awareness is needed in this field.

Throughout the country in the first nine months of 2026:

2 thousand 432 kidneys,

1 thousand 236 livers,

32 hearts,

8 lungs,

2 pancreas transplants were performed.

Işık stated that a significant portion of kidney and liver transplants are performed through living donors; He emphasized that transplantation of vital organs such as heart and lungs is only possible with donations from people who are brain dead. Işık said, "Therefore, one of the most important issues in organ donation is to increase the rates of donation from cadavers."

DONATION RATES DECREASED TO 17.8 PERCENT

Stating that the organs of 481 of 2,357 people with brain death in 2025 were converted to donation and this rate was 20.4 percent, Işık stated that in the first nine months of 2026, only 327 of 1,832 brain death cases were donated and the rate remained at 17.8 percent. Reminding that this rate was around 27 percent before the pandemic, Işık noted that it is vital to increase social awareness and the number of volunteer donors.

Stating that a single person's organ and tissue donation can save the lives of more than 50 people or improve their quality of life, Işık stated that tissues such as heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and cornea offer many people the opportunity to hold on to life again with a single donation decision.

BECOMING A DONOR IS NOW VERY EASY

Stating that citizens can easily declare their organ donation preferences digitally via e-Government or e-Pulse, Işık underlined that one of the most important steps is to share this decision with the family. Referring to the importance of accessing accurate information about organ donation and overcoming prejudices, Işık made the following call:

"One of us who does not need an organ donation today may need an organ transplant for ourselves or our loved ones tomorrow. Let's not forget; organ donation can change not only one life, but many lives. Leave your hopes along with your life. Become an organ donor, share your decision with your loved ones."