Bhadani Snehal Pushkar, 20

School: Nanyang Technological University

Topic: Positive impact of one's donation across different levels of society

Award: First Place, Open Category, 2024

A spark, once kindled, can light up the entire globe

I. Introduction

The average circumference of a solid internal organ in the human body is 45 centimetres. When an individual donates such an organ, the impact extends far beyond the operating room. The act of organ donation sparks a chain reaction of goodwill and gratitude, that extends from the recipient to their immediate family, and then outwards to engender a heightened sense of communal solidarity.

If we consider the advancements in medical research spurred by increased successful organ transplantations, the circumference of its impact expands further across the country, improving healthcare systems and efficacy. Moreover, by fostering international collaboration in improving transplantation methods and technologies, and institutionalising organ donation as a normalised practice, its influence can extend almost infinitely, enveloping the entire globe.

II. Immediate personal and familial impact

Organ donors create an enduring impact on both physical and emotional levels. For a living donor, knowing that their donation has had a lifesaving or life-transforming impact provides a sense of self-satisfaction and worth.

For a deceased donor, the organ donation process provides a sense of closure and healing to the donor’s family, in knowing that their loved one’s organs have impacted the lives of others. In Singapore, the Medical (Therapy, Education and Research) Act (MTERA) ^[1] allows individuals above 18 years of age to consent for donation of their entire body, thereby donating a much wider range of organs and tissues than those covered in the Human Organ Transplantation Act (HOTA). MTERA also allows the organs to be used for treatment and medical research, thus fostering long-term advancements in healthcare.

Traditional views and the stigmatisation of death can make discussing such contracts difficult. Religious concerns about bodily integrity after death further complicate this decision. However, signing these contracts in advance eases the burden on the donor’s family in the event of death. It lends the family a sense of direction when navigating their grief, and the donation process serves as a powerful reminder of the deceased person’s generosity and compassion. A single donor can create a tremendous impact, since alongside individual organs, tissues like corneas, as well, thereby allowing one donor to impact up to eight ^[2] recipients.

For recipients, receiving a tissue or organ transplant brings both physical improvements and newfound hope for the future. Recipients facing end-stage organ failure are given a new opportunity at life. For patients not at a critical stage, receiving an organ still drastically improves their quality of life. For instance, a successful kidney transplant frees a patient from the frequent and exhausting routines of dialysis, and additionally reduces their long-term healthcare costs. The patient receives an opportunity to regain their health, participate more fully in activities and further their careers, as well as be more involved in their family’s life. Hence, this renewed lease of life not only impacts them personally but also ripples through their familial sphere as their loved ones witness their recovery and share in their joy. The spark once lit burns on indefinitely.

III. Impact and implications in the community

A successful organ donation involving someone known personally or a community member can profoundly impact other members of the community, often more so than similar stories shared through media sources. These cases remain as a testament to the power of organ donation, resonating deeply within communities and inspiring others to consider organ donation as well.

To sustain the positive impact of organ donation in the community, post-donation support is essential for both the donor and the recipient. This can take the form of seeking updates on the organ transplantation outcome from donor families and learning about the recovery process of the patient. Early mental health checks for the recipient can help to address any psychological challenges that arise. This proactive approach ensures that both parties navigate their post-donation journey successfully. Apart from the hospital and the organ transplant organisation, members of the community also have a responsibility of extending such support. Their involvement encourages healthy discussion and builds a positive attitude towards organ donation processes within the community.

Donor organisations such as Live On offer resources and a platform for donors and recipients to share their experiences ^[3]. This builds a large repository of experiences and provides a sense of belongingness to both donors and recipients. Such a system promotes the ethos of giving, and allows communities to create a robust support system that enhances the well-being of all involved and remains a resource for those who are considering organ donation.

In educational settings, such stories of organ donation can become a powerful teaching tool. Schools and universities that incorporate organ donation education and awareness into their curricula, cultivating a generation of informed and compassionate individuals. These young adults are more likely to support and advocate for organ donation in the future, ensuring the sustainability of this life-saving practice within the country.

IV. Country-wide and global-scale impact

As the number of organ donations increase, medical professionals can gain valuable experience and improve the existing transplantation techniques and their outcomes. This knowledge benefits future patients and enhances the overall quality of healthcare services in the country. Moreover, the increased demand for organ transplants can drive supply, and can cause the government to allocate more economic resources to further advancements in scientific research. In this manner, the spark created by organ donation can lead to improvements in the healthcare system of a nation.

103,223 people are in wait of an organ transplant across the world, as of March 2024 ^[4]. By establishing organ donation as a norm, this number can be significantly reduced, especially since a single donor can save 8 lives and impact 75 more. As more people become willing donors, the number of successful transplants increases, leading to a more robust and healthy population within the nation and worldwide. This can result in decreased healthcare costs of treatment, and less strain on medical systems, especially in countries where healthcare resources are limited. The global economy can benefit from a healthier workforce, reduced long-term disability costs, and fewer resources spent on managing chronic organ-related illnesses.

A global approach to organ donation can foster international cooperation and solidarity. Countries can share best practices, harmonise regulations, and develop international registries and networks. This collaboration leads to more efficient matching and allocation of organs, ensuring that organs are used where they are needed most urgently, regardless of borders, since the same ethnicity is not required for successful organ donation.^[5]

Normalising organ donation globally contributes to a cultural shift towards greater altruism and humanity-oriented thinking. When people across different cultures see organ donation as a social norm, it can lead to more unified global values around contributing to the common good. This can also reduce stigma associated with organ donation.

Furthermore, increasing the availability of legally donated organs can curb the issue of illegal organ trade. Since such organs are available through trusted organisations, the demand for organs on the black market would decrease. This can also lead to better regulation and protection of vulnerable populations who are often exploited in illegal organ trade schemes worldwide.

VI. Conclusion

The act of organ donation serves as a profound example of how one selfless act can spark a cascade of positive effects across multiple layers of society. This starts from the immediate personal and familial impacts, where donors and their families experience positive transformative changes. It extends to the broader community through a shared network of stories and robust support systems. Organ donation thereby builds a culture of empathy and collective responsibility. On a national scale, it strengthens healthcare systems, drives medical advancements, and promotes economic efficiency.

Globally, the potential of organ donation is even more significant. Establishing it as a normalised practice can reduce the global burden of patients in need of donation, enhance international cooperation to promote standardised viewpoints, and cultivate a cultural shift towards greater altruism. By combating the illegal organ trade and ensuring ethical practices, a worldwide approach to organ donation can protect vulnerable populations and uphold human dignity. Ultimately, by embedding the ethos of organ donation into the fabric of global society, we can create a healthier, more compassionate world where the spark of one individual's generosity continues to kindle hope across the globe!

^[1] MOH | The Medical (Therapy, Education and Research) Act (MTERA). (n.d.). https://www.moh.gov.sg/policies-and-legislation/the-medical-(therapy-education-and-research)-act-(mtera)

^[2] Organ donation Statistics | Organdonor.gov. (2024, March 1). https://www.organdonor.gov/learn/organ-donation-statistics

^[3] Live On | True Stories. (n.d.). https://www.liveon.gov.sg/true-stories.html

^[4] Organ donation Statistics | Organdonor.gov. (2024, March 1). https://www.organdonor.gov/learn/organ-donation-statistics

^[5] Organ donation Statistics | Organdonor.gov. (2024, March 1). https://www.organdonor.gov/learn/organ-donation-statistics

References

1. Live On | True Stories. (n.d.). https://www.liveon.gov.sg/true-stories.html

2. MOH | The Medical (Therapy, Education and Research) Act (MTERA). (n.d.).https://www.moh.gov.sg/policies-and-legislation/the-medical-(therapy-education-and-research)-act-(mtera)

3. Organ donation Statistics | Organdonor.gov. (2024, March 1). https://www.organdonor.gov/learn/organ-donation-statistics
   

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2024 are those of the participants and are not endorsed by the National Organ Transplant Unit (Ministry of Health).

To learn more about organ donation and organ transplantation in Singapore, please visit www.liveon.gov.sg