Organ donation gives hope to patients

Every day in Turkey, thousands of patients eagerly await the news that "A suitable organ has been found." According to 2025 data, approximately 32,500 people are on the organ transplant list. For them, the only way to regain life is through a donated organ. Every day, even every hour, is vital for them.

"Organ Donation Week" is held annually from November 3rd to 9th to raise awareness. The week aims to raise public awareness and emphasize the importance of organ donation.

4,169 organ transplants were performed this year

According to data from the Tissue, Organ Transplantation, and Dialysis Services Department of the General Directorate of Health Services, 4,169 organ transplants have been performed across Turkey since the beginning of 2025. The vast majority of these transplants were kidney transplants. In the first ten months of this year, 2,695 of these were kidney transplants.

Liver transplants, which, like kidneys, can be performed from both living donors and cadavers, came in second. Since the beginning of 2025, 1,415 liver transplants have been performed. Additionally, 41 people have regained their lives with heart transplants. In addition, 17 lung transplants and one small intestine transplant have been performed.

How is organ donation done?

Organ donation is a completely voluntary practice. A transplant can only be performed after brain death, meaning the person has completely lost all connection to life.

Transplants are performed in two ways: from living donors and from cadavers. Only kidney and liver transplants can be performed from living donors. In cadaver transplants, many organs and tissues can be used, including the heart, liver, pancreas, lungs, kidneys, cornea, heart valves, face, hands, arms, and legs.

During the cadaver transplantation process, the medical compatibility of the brain-dead organs and tissues of a deceased donor with those of other patients awaiting transplantation is examined. The National Organ and Tissue Transplantation Coordination Center determines which organs will be transplanted to whom. Patients registered in the center's database are evaluated according to medical priority, ensuring that each organ reaches the most suitable patient as quickly as possible.

Donations are possible through e-Pulse and e-Government.

For those wishing to donate organs, the process is now much easier. Anyone over 18 and of sound mind can become an organ donor in just a few minutes through e-Nabız or e-Devlet.

The new system grants first-degree relatives of organ donors priority should they need a transplant in the future. This practice aims to both raise awareness of donation and strengthen social solidarity.