A NEW survey has been launched to assess public awareness in Bahrain about organ donation.
The first-of-its-kind opinion poll, “Human Organs Donation in the Kingdom of Bahrain”, by the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) will run until the end of September.
According to Derasat surveys and opinion polls director Ejlal Bubshait, the study is aimed at getting a clearer view of the public’s opinions and concerns, and to address related questions. “Understanding the level of public awareness will help authorities address the situation accordingly,” she told the GDN.
Organ donation is the process of surgically removing an organ or tissue from one person (donor) and placing it into another person (recipient).
“In this part of the world, people relate it to religion; some believe that Islam is against organ donation, which is not correct.
“Some people believe there are health risks associated with organ donation, particularly when done while alive; others are unsure of which organs they can donate or what they must do to donate their organs after death.
“We want to know, among other things, how much people in Bahrain accept the concept of organ donation, how willing they are to donate, and how it differs when it comes to family or others.
“The survey covers all of these topics, which will aid in determining the level of awareness on each one and, as a result, effectively addressing them.”
Ms Bubshait stated that the idea for the survey came about as a result of the Shura Council’s approval in 2020 of a proposal to establish a new organ transplant centre in Bahrain.
The chamber had also accepted amendments to the 1988 Human Organ Transport and Transplantation Law.
“The results of the poll will help the authorities to better plan the establishment of the centre which will be a regional highlight,” said Ms Bubshait.
“The centre will aim at facilitating organ donation and transplantation in the country; this will also help contain the risks of organ trafficking. There is a high risk involved in people going abroad to do transplants which also involves middlemen and money; this can be a health risk.”
Former Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh had told MPs earlier this year that the country was facing an issue with illegal sale of organs which would be tackled with new advanced bylaws.
The survey results will be published and submitted to the relevant authorities for action.
“A copy of the results with an executive summary will be handed over to the Health Minister who also chairs the organ donation committee in Bahrain, besides the Shura Council and other relevant agencies.
“I think in Bahrain, as elsewhere in the region, the issue is sensitive, heavily socially debated, and has been given a religious twist.
“All of these make the process complicated and difficult for the person who is wishing, or planning, to donate an organ.”
The quick survey can be accessed at www.derasat.org.bh
raji@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))