|
Download China has launched an online registry to encourage the public to supply life-saving organs for transplantation after their death. The website savelife.org.cn has been jointly launched by the National Health and Family Planning Commission and District 3450 of Rotary International, a worldwide charity organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian services and encourages high ethical standards in vocations. Any person aged 16 or older can log on to the website and fill in personal information to become a volunteer, said Wang Guolin, who heads Rotary 3450. "The registry is open to foreigners living in China as well," he said. Before finishing the registry, one must indicate the type of organs or body tissues to be donated, he added. The information is open only to the health authorities and authorized organ procurement organizations as needed, he said. Volunteers are encouraged to talk with their families about their willingness to donate organs, as consent from families is also necessary to land a successful donation, he said. About 300,000 Chinese countrywide are in need of an organ transplant each year, but only 10,000 are able to land one largely due to a shortage of organs, according to the commission. Hong Kong entertainer Eric Tsang was named as image ambassador for organ donation at the launch. And he set an example by personally registering as an organ volunteer. | 
