Aliu: As soon as the system begins to be implemented, I will be the first to register as an organ donor

At the public panel discussion on organ donation, held yesterday in Gostivar, Health Minister Azir Aliu presented the measures and systemic policies being implemented to move this process forward in the country. He stressed that this is a topic that requires trust, humanism, and social maturity.

Aliu said it carries special weight for him that the discussion on organ donation is taking place precisely in Gostivar, the city where he was born. According to him, there are issues that are not tied only to politics, but also require humanism, trust, and the moral maturity of society. He described organ donation as one of those topics that raises one of the deepest questions for every society: at the most difficult moment, are we able to create hope for someone else?

The minister emphasized that it is the duty of institutions to build trust and create a system in which the family knows in advance the wishes of their loved one. According to him, organ donation should not be discussed for the first time in hospital corridors, in tragic moments, but should be a topic addressed openly and without prejudice at home, within the family, in schools, universities, as well as among doctors and patients.

In this context, he announced that the Ministry of Health is implementing an ongoing national awareness campaign, considering organ donation a permanent educational process. In addition, work is being done to involve family doctors, schools, universities, patient associations, and religious communities, with the aim of making this topic part of an informed and mature public dialogue.

At the same time, according to him, continuous support is being provided for transplant teams, while a digital and legal framework is also being prepared in which citizens’ wishes will be clearly declared, securely registered, and consistently respected.

Aliu stressed that amendments and additions to the Law on the Removal and Transplantation of Parts of the Human Body for Treatment Purposes are currently in procedure, and that the draft has already been submitted to Parliament under a fast-track procedure. According to him, this shows that the state does not see organ donation only as a moral issue, but also as a public priority.

He said Parliament sent a strong message of unity and consensus on strengthening organ donation, as lawmakers from both the ruling majority and the opposition voted for the need to adopt the law under a fast-track procedure. The minister underlined that when it comes to life, there is no government or opposition, nor political differences that can be more important than the state’s obligation to stand on the side of humanism, dignity, and hope.

According to him, the proposed changes represent an important step toward creating a system in which citizens’ personal wishes will be expressed more clearly, protected more strongly, and respected more consistently. He explained that with these legal changes, every adult citizen will have the opportunity to clearly declare to their family doctor whether they wish to be an organ donor, thus creating a clearer picture of citizens’ views and further strengthening trust and awareness on this issue.

The changes also envisage expanding treatment opportunities by broadening the circle of living donors up to the fourth degree of kinship, with full respect for all ethical, medical, and legal standards.

The minister announced that the declaration will be made through a new digital module in the “My Appointment” system, in a secure manner and with double verification. He said every citizen will have the right to change or withdraw their decision at any time. According to Aliu, this is important for two reasons: first, because each person’s personal freedom and wishes are respected, and second, because the state will finally know how many citizens want to be organ donors.

Aliu added that this will also make it possible to understand where there is more awareness and where there is fear, distrust, or a lack of knowledge about organ donation. In the end, he declared that as soon as the system begins to be implemented, he himself will be the first to register as an organ donor.