Manama: Shaikha Moza Bint Nasser, the wife of Qatar’s Emir, has registered as an organ donor.
“The Qatar Organ Donation Centre is dedicated to the promotion of organ donations and the maintaining of a national donor register,” Shaikha Moza said. “Our aim in Qatar is to become self-sufficient as a country and every single one of us must reflect seriously, as our religious duty demands, on how we can play a part in this effort,” she said following her registration during a visit to the Qatar Organ Donation Centre (Hiba) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Doha.
A group of patients, donors and recipients of transplanted organs shared their personal experiences with her and explained how the organ donation and transplantation programme have changed their lives, an official statement said.
Shaikha Moza’s registration has sparked optimism among medical staff and health officials.
“Qatar has come a long way in increasing donation and transplantation of organs for our citizens,” Abdullah Khalid Al Qahtani, the health minister, said. “Our aim is to become self-sufficient. Her Highness has shown the way. I now encourage every member of the community to consider playing a part in this noble effort.”
Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, HMC’s Managing Director, said that the “clear and unequivocal pledge to support organ donation” by Shaikha Moza and her demonstration of leadership by example will help tremendously in encouraging more people in Qatar to register as organ donors.”
“We know that many people have misconceptions that make them afraid to register as an organ donor. They need not have any fear. The personal commitment shown by Her Highness will help to allay their concerns and inspire people to similar acts of generosity.”
Hamad Medical Corporation, in cooperation with the Supreme Council of Health, has started a campaign that will liaise with potential donors and their families to expand the number of donations from both live and deceased donors. The organ donation programme is based on the accepted notion that organ and tissue donation helps others by giving them a second chance at life.
The programme focuses on educating people about the benefits of increasing organ donation in Qatar. Ongoing public education and awareness campaigns are expected to inspire people to register as organ donors.
