1. Background
In Malta as in many other countries, the gap between the demand and the supply of human organs for transplantation is on the rise despite, the effort of governments and organ donor associations to promote organ donation. The Maltese government is proposing this White Paper for consultation to enact a legislative framework addressing organ donation for the Maltese Islands which will reflect the evaluated response after consultation is closed.
2. Consultation questions
1. Which system of organ donation do you think is most acceptable to the Maltese people, keeping in mind our culture and moral beliefs?
2. Do you agree that discussions between clinicians and family in the event of an individual’s death will identify and safeguard the decision of the deceased because most probably s/he would have discussed the issue with his/her family?
3. Do you agree that the donor card should be given a legal status to safeguard the wishes of the individual after his/her death?
4. What is the role of the family in safeguarding the wishes of the deceased?
5. This White Paper proposes that ‘individuals must have lived in the Maltese Islands for a sufficient period of time before being included within an opt-out system’ (should an opt-out system be adopted). What factors should be taken into account when determining whether an individual ‘lives in the Maltese Islands’? What should that period of time be?
6. Do you agree that an opt-out system for the Maltese Islands should only apply to persons aged 18 years and over? If not, why?
7. Do you feel confident that every effort is made to give everyone the opportunity to opt-out if s/he wishes to?
8. Do you think that the Maltese people are altruistic and generous enough to opt for an opt-out system by which everyone is considered a donor unless s/he opts out?
9. Do you think that there is a greater possibility that an individual will decide whether s/he wants to donate his/her organs after his/her demise, if an opt-out principle is introduced in the Maltese islands?
10. Which option do you think would improve the current situation leading to an increase in organs available for transplantation?
11. Do you have any suggestions on how to improve the current system?
12. In your opinion, what percentage of the Maltese population would prefer to improve the current system rather than opt for another system?
13. Does it bother you to think that when a person dies his/her organs are utilised to save the lives of others?
14. Do you believe in the principle that it is a waste to bury organs when in actual fact they can be used to give a life to someone needing an organ transplant?
15. Do you agree with the concept that the relatives of a prospective donor have the right to overturn the
16. Do you agree that children over the age of 12 should be given the opportunity to register as an organ donor?
17. Using an appropriate approach, do you agree that children at an early age should be introduced to and educated on the subject of donating organs after death?
18. Do you agree with financial remuneration to live organ donors to cover expenses incurred due to loss of income and related matters? If in the affirmative should this state remunerate the
donor, keeping in mind the big expenses saved to cover renal, dialysis, hospital bed days and medical treatment?
3. Submission of input
Submissions were sent in through the following channels:
By filling the online form below.
By email: consultations.meh-health@gov.mt
By post: Director Healthcare Standards,
Superintendence of Public Health
Level 1 St Luke’s Hospital
G’Mangia.
All input towards this consultation was received by 20th May 2015.
4. Documentation
5. Feeback received from individuals and organizations