Lawmakers hail new comprehensive organ transplant regulations

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com

The Kingdom of Bahrain has entered a new era in organ transplantation with the implementation of the executive regulations for the law on human organ transplantation.

The new regulations, which were approved recently, introduce significant changes and amendments to the existing framework.

A key highlight of the new regulations is the legalisation of organ transplantation from brain-dead individuals.

This move is expected to significantly increase the availability of organs for patients in need.

The regulations also prohibit several practices related to organ transplantation and donation, including prohibition of organ transplantation that could lead to lineage confusion, and prohibition of organ buying and selling through any means.

To oversee the implementation of the new regulations, a central committee has been established.

This committee will be responsible for managing and regulating all aspects of human organ transplantation in Bahrain.

Medical professionals and members of the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives have expressed optimism that the detailed regulations will contribute to providing organs for patients in need, particularly for those requiring kidneys or livers.

This will be achieved through donations from both brain-dead individuals and living donors.

Kidney transplants Dr Hani Al Saaati, a member of the Shura Council, highlighted the critical need for kidney transplants in Bahrain, stating that there are currently 800 kidney patients in the country.

He emphasised that 10-15% of these patients, or 80 to 100 cases annually, require kidney transplants to reach the internationally recommended rate.

Dr Al Saaati revealed that 20 kidney transplants were successfully performed in the past year, after a hiatus of over a year.

He expressed confidence that Bahrain will achieve the target transplant rate within the next two to three years, thanks to the robust program and available resources.

Economic benefits Dr Al-Saaati stressed the significant economic benefits of performing organ transplants in Bahrain.

He pointed out that kidney patients currently cost the government approximately BD20 million annually for dialysis sessions alone, excluding other costs like healthcare services, transportation, medication, and various treatments.

He further explained that each dialysis session costs the government between BD80 and BD120, with patients typically undergoing three sessions per week, totaling 12 sessions per month.

This translates to BD1,500 per month and BD18,000 to BD25,000 per year for each kidney patient.

Cost comparison Dr Al-Saaati highlighted the cost-effectiveness of kidney transplants performed in Bahrain compared to those conducted abroad.

He stated that kidney transplants in Bahrain cost less than 40% of the total cost abroad, with an average cost of approximately BD6,000 in Bahrain.

In contrast, the same procedure abroad costs around BD25,000 for the transplant alone, excluding accommodation, medication, airfare, and other expenses. This can escalate the total cost of a kidney transplant abroad to BD100,00.

Significant decision MP Dr Mahdi Al Shuwaikh, a member of the Services Committee of the Council of Representatives, considered the Minister of Health’s decision a significant step forward.

He emphasised that issuing the executive regulations for the law is a legislative necessity to implement the laws.

The lawmaker also highlighted that organ transplantation is a complex issue with significant humanitarian, social, and medical implications.