Member Services
- Text Decrease
- Text Increase
- Print Page
Time to discuss organ donation options
24 February 2009.
AMA Victoria is this week urging Victorians to learn more about how they might save a life through organ donation and discuss their options with their family members and GP.
AMA Victoria President Dr Doug Travis said Australian Organ Donation Awareness Week, which began on Saturday, was a good prompt to begin thinking about organ donation.
“One organ donor can save the lives of up to 10 people,” Dr Travis said. “Organ donation rates in Australia are growing but they are still low. One person dies every week waiting for an organ transplant.
In 2008 the donation rate in Victoria and nationally increased by 30 percent, with an additional 100 Victorians receiving life-saving transplants.
“If you are considering becoming an organ donor and are looking to find out the facts about organ and tissue donation, talk to your GP,” Dr Travis said.
“It is also essential to talk with your family so they are fully aware of your wishes,” he said.
More than 1.2 million Australians were registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register at the beginning of the year.
AMA Victoria is anticipating a national organ donation reform package to further increase the rates of organ donation in the country.
Australian Organ Donation Registration can be completed at any Medicare Office, or by calling 1800 777 203 or visiting www.medicareaustralia.gov.au.
Victorian Medical Directory
Quick Reference Links
Networks
Preferred Providers
Next
Prev