In Ecuador, 475 organ transplants have been performed so far in 2023

A total of 475 organ transplants were performed in Ecuador, until August 2023. If compared to 2022, a growth of 17% is seen, that is, last year there were 405 organ transplants. 

In Ecuador there is no organ trafficking, explained Mauricio Espinel, executive director of the National Institute for Organ, Tissue and Cell Donation and Transplantation (Indot).

Mauricio Espinel, executive director of the National Institute for Organ, Tissue and Cell Donation and Transplantation (Indot), pointed out that transplantation gives people a second chance at life. 

However, the figures mentioned are not enough, since the waiting list is long. There are around 2,000 people who wait an average of four years to have the surgery; although there are people who have waited about eight years.

Added to them are people who are on dialysis (kidney replacement therapy). In the country there are more than 20,000 citizens with kidney diseases who require an organ to stop this therapy and continue with their lives, explains Espinel. 

On October 14 of each year, National Donation and Transplant Day is commemorated in Ecuador. Its objective is to raise awareness about the importance of donating organs in the event of death or having a family member with this condition. 

However, Espinel clarifies, since 2016, after a decision by the Constitutional Court, it was said that people can decide whether or not to be a donor; Before we all had that condition. “The sentence requires that you ask yourself. From there it has been dropping from 98% to 65% on average. In coastal provinces like Manabí, it has reached 45%.” 

How many lives can a donor save? One donor can save up to seven lives and can donate up to 30 tissues. For example, an infant who has a burn can recover more quickly with these fabrics and there is a saving of money. 

Finally, is there organ trafficking in the country? Espinel indicates that no, because it is a process that must be carried out in a high-level hospital. Added to this is that for an organ to function it must not exceed eight hours.