Gaps that need to be filled in the process of tissue and organ donation, procurement, and transplantation.

Recently, stories of organ transplants from brain-dead donors, extending the lives of many people, have become increasingly common. Most recently, an organ donation at Cho Ray Hospital opened a new chapter in the lives of seven patients in Ho Chi Minh City and Hue.

Doctors are harvesting organs from the donor. Photo: CHI MAI

Statistics from the National Organ Transplant Coordination Center show that in 2022 and 2023, there were approximately 14 organ donations per year nationwide after brain death; this increased to over 41 cases in 2024 (a record); and in the first three months of 2025, there were already 21 organ donations. Those working in organ transplantation believe that the number of organ donations in 2025 will far exceed the previous year's figures.

Vietnam has the highest number of organ transplants in Southeast Asia, but the rate of organ donation after brain death is among the lowest. Organ sources from deceased or brain-dead individuals remain scarce, while the demand for transplants continues to increase. Thousands of people are still waiting, while two-thirds of brain-dead individuals who request to be brought home are considered potential organ donors. The main reasons for this are limited public awareness and ineffective communication and advocacy efforts.

In recent years, mechanisms and policies aimed at promoting organ and tissue donation and transplantation have been gradually improved. However, gaps still remain. Specifically, there are still no clear mechanisms or policies for counseling on organ and tissue donation from brain-dead or heart-dead individuals. Only a few hospitals have established counseling and advocacy teams for organ donation. Although communication efforts have been intensified, they are not yet widespread or effective enough, and many people still have concerns about spirituality and ethics.

Transplant experts believe that well-trained and skilled counselors can help patients' families understand the humanitarian significance of organ donation and make the right decision.

The Ministry of Health has been actively directing efforts to gradually improve the system of mechanisms and policies to promote the strong and sustainable development of tissue and organ donation, procurement, and transplantation. Many opinions suggest that policies are needed to support and facilitate organizations and hospitals in establishing teams of tissue and organ donation counselors; ensuring these teams receive appropriate remuneration to help them feel secure in their work. In many countries, tissue and organ donation counseling in hospitals is an important part of the healthcare system. This is a model that Vietnam should study and apply appropriately.

At a recent workshop on the role of media in promoting organ and tissue donation from deceased/brain-dead donors, international experts recommended that Vietnam should continue to develop a legal framework; strengthen education on organ and tissue donation and transplantation; raise public awareness; provide professional training for healthcare workers; and establish an organ donation registration system.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/nhung-khoang-trong-can-lap-day-trong-hoat-dong-hien-lay-ghep-mo-tang-post868718.html