MOSCOW, September 22 (RIA Novosti) – The Russian government is planning to make special indications on ID documents stating citizens’ willingness to donate their organs after death.
According to Russian authorities, this initiative would create an electronic database of potential donors and make the complicated donation process more efficient and faster. The database is planned to be available in all regions of Russia. The indications will be made on passports, driving licenses or identity electronic cards.
The number of organ transplantations in Russia has doubled over the last seven years, totaling 1.4 thousand operations in 2013. However, this large number represents only 16% of the total amount of organs necessary as the annual average number of patients on the waiting list is 9,000, the Ministry of Health informs.
The initiative was launched by the Russian Federation Council to raise awareness about the lack of available donor organs and promote organ donations. Similar programs also exist in the United States and the European Union.
The relevant bill was introduced in the State Duma on Monday.
