A new study was recently launched to review the feasibility of establishing an organ bank for transplants in the UAE.
The study, launched by the UAE health ministry, is attempting to determine the feasibility of such a bank in a small country with a low need for organ transplants and large number of potential donors, according to Gulf News.
"We are studying to see if it is useful or not [to have an organ bank in the UAE]. It depends on many things, including religion and laws," said Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qutami, Minister of Health. "People of the UAE need the services but the number [who need it] is small," he added.
Currently, UAE nationals and residents who need organ transplants such as kidney, liver and heart, can only have the procedure done overseas. The committee carrying out the study may reportedly suggest establishing a link with the Saudi Organ Bank instead of setting one up in the UAE.
