HH Sheikah Moza Inaugurates Organ Transplant Program

Doha, August 08 (QNA) - HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser led the way for future generations by registering as an organ donor today. Her Highness Sheikha Moza visited the Qatar Organ Donation Center (Hiba) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Doha today, where she met a group of patients, donors and other distinguished guests. Her Highness spoke with several organ donors and recipients of transplanted organs who were able to share their own personal experiences and explain how the organ donation and transplantation program has changed their lives. HH Sheikha Moza, who is a committed patron of Qatar s organ donation and transplantation efforts, paved the way by adding her name to the list of generous donors who are prepared to offer the gift of life to others. Following her lead, a number of other dignitaries who were present made the same noble gesture. "The Qatar Organ Donation Center is dedicated to the promotion of organ donations and the maintaining of a national donor register. 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," said Her Highness Sheikha Moza. HE Abdullah Khalid Al Qahtani, the Minister of Health, said: "Qatar has come a long way in increasing donation and transplantation of organs for our citizens. It is our aim to become self-sufficient as a country. "In her altruism, Her Highness has shown the way. I would 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: "We are honoured by the presence of Her Highness and other dignitaries today and are deeply grateful on behalf of the people of Qatar. Through the generous act of registering as an organ donor, Her Highness has made a clear and unequivocal pledge to support organ donation 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 program is based on the accepted notion that organ and tissue donation helps others by giving them a second chance at life. The program will focus on educating people about the benefits of increasing organ donation in Qatar. Ongoing public education and awareness campaigns will inspire as many people as possible to register as organ donors. (QNA)