SAT-297 KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION RECIPIENTS’ EXPERIENCE IN ORGAN TRAFFICKING

Abstract

Kidney transplantation is the gold standard for patients with end-stage kidney disease. In view of shortages of available organs, long wait times for possible transplantation, and strict regulation, many patients opt for commercial transplantation. This study elicits the reasons and motivations for patients with end-stage kidney disease to elect for commercial transplant. A questionnaire-based evaluation was conducted during the period from July 2015 until late December 2015. It consisted of 29 multiple choice questions and was distributed to all patients who underwent commercial kidney transplantation. One hundred and fifty patients were approached to participate and 106 agreed. Of the participants, 60% were male with an average age of 41.5 (SD 14.8) years and ranged from 18 to 83 years. The majority (82%) of our participants were educated ranging from primary to college level. The major reason (71%) for these participants to obtain commercial transplants was stated as the unavailability of a live related donor. Thirteen percent stated that they objected to getting a kidney donated from a family member, and 9% stated that they were worried about taking a kidney from a family member. Finally, 3% of participants stated that they needed prompt transplant and could not wait for a long time for transplant investigations and the workup associated with this program. The study showed that patients often travel outside their country border to seek medical treatment for ESKD through organ transplantation due to the lack of a strong health system that provides all necessary tools of care. Oman, similar countries in the regions, and various other countries around the world must empower their citizens, provide the care required to improve their lives, and preserve dignity and human values. Efforts must therefore be directed towards strengthening the national program with full logistic, financial, and strong legislation to protect human lives locally, regionally, and globally and must collaborate with international efforts to combat organ trafficking and commercialism and to encourage the notion of humanity’s best interest.