Health Ministry eyes major organ transplant push in 2026 as thousands await lifesaving donors

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — The Health Ministry (MOH) has set the goal of advancing the national transplant agenda in a more progressive manner as a national mission for 2026.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said that although hundreds of thousands of Malaysians have registered as organ donor pledgers through the MySejahtera application, thousands of chronic patients are still waiting for a miracle while on transplant waiting lists.

“The digital pledge we make is a sacred promise, but it requires heartfelt discussions with our closest family members.

“The support and consent of family members are the key factors in ensuring that a donor’s noble wishes are respected in order to save the lives of those in need,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday. 

Meanwhile, he also expressed gratitude for the successful liver transplant of a child, Muhammad Raif Rabbani, at Hospital Tunku Azizah after battling biliary atresia since infancy.

“After courageously fighting biliary atresia since infancy, he has now been discharged and allowed to return home. May young Raif be blessed with good health and one day contribute back to society,” he said.

Dzulkefly also expressed appreciation to the specialist team and healthcare workers at Hospital Tunku Azizah for the successful procedure. He further paid tribute to the organ donor and the donor’s family for choosing to give new hope to other patients through organ donation.

He said the ministry remains committed to ensuring that the nation’s medical landscape continues to be guided by the values of compassion and fairness in building a prosperous Malaysia Madani. — Bernama