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SINGAPORE: Some observers estimate that reimbursements for non-related living organ donors could range between S$15,000 and S$50,000, after taking into consideration costs like hospitalisation and medicine charges.
They suggest that a national body be set up to administer these reimbursements.
Meanwhile, the National Kidney Foundation says it is likely to raise additional funds to reimburse needy kidney donors for their post-operative treatments. These needy donors will be means tested.
One suggestion the Muslim Kidney Action Association has on reimbursement is to set up a trust fund.
The association's president, Ameerali Abdeali, said: "Philanthropic institutions like the Lee Foundation or the Singapore Totalisator Board can contribute funds to start off this trust, and members of the public can also contribute towards this fund.
"The trustees of this fund can decide on a case-by-case as to what kind of reimbursement to be made to these altruistic donors. So this is not done ad-hoc; there's a clear intention of the trust.
"As to the quantum, this may vary between S$15,000 and S$30,000 or even more in some instances. (This) will have to be decided by the trustees."
Others say those running the trust fund must have a long-term commitment.
Dr Fatimah Lateef, a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Health, said: "If you want to find a sponsor or a donor to run a trust fund with a secretariat and all that, I think you have to have very sustained long-term interest and commitment from that person or persons involved.
"Of course, looking at it the other way, it can also be something which is coordinated at the different hospital levels where you need to have different administrative staff and a secretariat to know all the ins and outs, all the details of the programmes so that they can counsel, advise accordingly and so on."
Many say ultimately, keeping patients, donors and the public informed and educated about the reimbursements will be vital.
Once the government announces more details about reimbursement for donors, the Muslim Kidney Action Association hopes to help by giving advice to potential donors, counselling and creating more awareness about non-related living organ donation.
Every year, about 1,000 new cases of kidney failure are diagnosed in Singapore.
The Health Ministry says the Human Organ Transplant Act contributes about 50 kidneys a year and living-related kidneys another 30. Hence, a total of 80 kidneys are transplanted in Singapore annually.
Another 20 Singaporeans go overseas for kidney transplant annually. But with the government's plan to amend the law to allow non-related organ donations and reimbursements, it is hoped the transplantation rate in Singapore will improve.
- CNA/ir
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