Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2010-0018)
The main purpose is to revise the national policy on living non-related organ donation and transplantation in the Philippines, aligning with the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, WHO Guiding Principles, and the Declaration of Istanbul, and to establish implementing structures for the program.
The Order covers kidney and other organ donors and recipients, health and health-related professionals and individuals involved in transplantation and donation, all DOH offices and bureaus, health and health-related facilities, and other government and non-government agencies related to transplantation and donation.
LRDs are donors related to the recipient by blood within the fourth degree of consanguinity such as parents, children, siblings, nephews/nieces, or first cousins.
Non-directed Living Non-Related Donation (LNRD) is not allowed. No hospital, foundation, organization, or agency, public or private, is allowed to maintain a list or utilize non-directed LNRDs for transplantation.
Directed LNRDs are permitted only when the donation is voluntary and truly altruistic without any compensation or gratuity. They must be screened and approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee.
The guiding principles include equity, justice, benevolence, non-maleficence, solidarity, altruism, and volunteerism, ensuring fair allocation, objectivity, voluntary informed consent, no harm, shared objectives, selflessness, and freedom from coercion in donation and transplantation.
The Philippine Board for Organ Donation and Transplantation (PBODT) oversees the implementation of policies, while the Philippine Organ Donation and Transplantation Program (PODTP) serves as the overall implementing body.
No, foreigners are not eligible to receive organs from Filipino living non-related donors.
Violations may lead to suspension or revocation of hospital or transplant facility licenses. Professionals may face sanctions from the DOH, PRC, PSN, PSTS, or other professional organizations and may be subject to civil or criminal charges.
PHILNOS acts as the central coordinating body for allocating organs from deceased donors according to established criteria. It maintains national registries for kidney transplants, donors, and patients awaiting transplants.