HOTA allows for the kidneys, liver, heart and corneas to be recovered in the event of death from any cause for the purpose of transplantation.
Before the implementation of HOTA in 1987, the kidney donation rate was 3 per year, and only involved cases of accidental deaths. But with the introduction of HOTA, the average number of transplants per year increased to 13.
In 2004, HOTA was amended to include the recovering of the corneas, heart and liver in both accidental and none-accidental deaths. Besides this form of organ donation, regulations were made for living donor organ transplantations. This raised the average number of patients benefiting from organ donation to 46 per year.
To further increase organs available for transplantation, from November 2009, all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents 21 years old and above, who are not mentally disordered, are included under HOTA unless they have opted out.
Why is HOTA important?
Those who are under HOTA will not only have the chance to help others, but will also have higher priority on the waiting lists should they need an organ transplant.
Rosyati was only in her thirties when she was diagnosed with end stage renal failure. It was not easy for her to accept, since she was young and at the peak of her career. Rosyati went on dialysis for 10 years, and it was tough on her family. Throughout these years, Rosyati’s family members took turns to fetch her to and from the dialysis centre. She was always feeling tired and had to excuse herself from family gatherings, even on special occasions like Hari Raya. After the transplant, she recovered fast and well, and could attend family gatherings again.
Athinarayanan was very puzzled because he had liver failure, even though he had never smoked or drank alcohol. One day, he suddenly vomited blood at home and was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease. The disease resulted in the build-up of copper in his liver, damaging it. For seven years, the disease progressed. Athinarayanan could not secure a part-time job in view of his frequent hospitals visits. Post-transplant, he now able to resume work at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
At the age of 13, Nicole Lim was diagnosed with autoimmune liver and colon disease. It was very challenging physically and emotionally. Nicole had to prioritise her health over her studies. It was hard to concentrate in school, and she could not go out with her friends. Fortunately, her mother went on with the medical evaluation to donate part of her liver to Nicole. Through her liver disease, they became closer.
How does HOTA relate to Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of planning how your estate ought to be distributed after you have passed away. It is for responsible people who wish to continue caring for their loved ones even after they’ve passed on.
Your estate does not just include monetary assets. If you support HOTA, it is important that you make your decision known to your loved ones. This will prevent any future potential disputes regarding organ donation.
Estate planning may require time and careful planning but it is not an impossible task. The difficulties and possible inconveniences you overcome now to plan out your estate would place a lighter burden on your loved ones in the future. In order to provide for and leave a legacy behind for them, consider getting started today. Contact your trusted FLA Organization financial planner for more information now!
