Record year for organ and tissue donations in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has seen a record number of organ and tissue donations in recent months.

According to the Ministry of Health, there were a record 30 deceased donors during the fiscal year running from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023. That same period also saw 46 adult kidney transplants, the second-highest total for a single year, and 276 donations of ocular tissue.

“Thanks to an increase in donor registration, more transplant patients are living longer and healthier lives,” the ministry noted in a statement.

“There are currently 800 Saskatchewan adult and pediatric residents living with a donated organ.”

Dr. Michael Moser, Saskatchewan transplant surgeon, said organ and tissue transplants are “modern medical miracles,” which he’s proud to be a part of.

“Transplantation is a massive team effort. Patients who are waiting for a transplant have often been dealing with organ failure for a long time, spending a lot of time in hospitals and not knowing if they’ll get the transplant they need in time,” Moser said in a statement.

“Once they do receive their transplant, which is often called ‘the gift of life,’ most patients experience a remarkable turnaround almost immediately.”

Moser – who received the 2022 Logan Boulet Humanitarian of the Year Award for his work – said none of his work would be possible without those who make the decision to become donors. Moser called them heroes.

About 21,000 eligible residents of the province have added their intent to become donors to the Saskatchewan Organ and Tissue Donor Registry since it was launched in 2020, the ministry said, but more donors are always needed.

Anyone 16 or older with a valid Saskatchewan health card can register their intent to donate.