Organ donation a key priority – AMSA | Australian Medical Students’ Association

The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) has called for more action to promote organ and tissue donation.

AMSA President, Mr James Churchill, said that AMSA representatives from each Australian medical school unanimously recognised the importance of increasing Australia’s organ donation rate and the significant potential to do so.

“Organ and tissue donation is an important and cost-effective medical treatment that is critical for improving health. There is a need for more investment in this important health intervention,” Mr Churchill said.

“Medical students have a role to play in increasing community awareness of organ and tissue donation. AMSA strongly encourages people to consider their views on organ donation, to register with the Australian Organ Donor Register, and to discuss their decision with their family and friends.

“Strong leadership from governments is critical to increase Australia’s rate of organ and tissue donation,” he said.

The organ donation rate increased 11 per cent between 2010 and 2011. However, the organ transplant rate has remained at 46.5 per million Australians, lagging behind other countries including the USA and Spain – which has the world’s highest rate at 78.7 per million.

More than 850 medical students are convening in Perth between July 1 and July 8 for the AMSA National Convention where they will engage with pertinent issues in health, with DonateLife one of the many participating organisations. A press conference will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre at 9.15am Thursday 5th July. For further information regarding the press conference and other media opportunities related to the AMSA National Convention, please visit:

https://amsaorgau.wufoo.com/forms/amsa-national-convention-media-enquiries/

AMSA’s Organ and Tissue Donation Policy is available at: