Oujda promotes organ donation culture through integrated medical, religious and legal initiatives

Economy of the East

The issue of organ donation in the Eastern Province is witnessing a remarkable increase in public debate, due to the growing need for vital organs, which are considered the last medical solution for many serious diseases. This debate is accompanied by ongoing efforts involving multiple components, including doctors, jurists, jurists, artists, health workers and associations, with the aim of establishing a culture of organ and tissue donation within society.

Medical initiatives to promote awareness

The Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Oujda continues to lead this dynamic by organizing scientific meetings and awareness-raising days. The most recent activity was “I donate... I save lives”, a slogan that reflects the humanitarian stakes associated with this action and aims to create a space for discussion among the stakeholders involved: Potential donors, their families, patients and solidarity organizations. This type of activity seeks to break down psychological and social barriers, and to highlight the positive impact of donation on the lives of patients.

In this context, Said Idrissi, acting director of the center, explained that organ donation can change the lives of patients in a fundamental way, as in many cases it is the last medical option. He also noted the support provided by religious, legal and medical institutions, stressing the center's commitment to continue this process and implement its programs to meet the expectations.

Field medical findings

The results achieved within the center reflect the development of this health workshop: 14 kidney transplants have been performed since the program began, according to Dr. Omar Almahi, a surgeon at the institution. According to Dr. Rachid Sakhsoukh, an ophthalmologist, cornea transplants are regularly performed at the center, which is the only institution in Morocco that imports corneas.

In terms of social response, the recent sensitization days witnessed the registration of 220 candidate donors in just two days, which is an indication of the high awareness within the community, especially among medical staff, according to Jihad Bouhamidi, head of the Organ and Tissue Donation Department.

Testimonials dispel fears

Transplant recipients enriched the meetings with their testimonies and experiences, helping to dispel the fears associated with donation. Mohammed Al-Galti, 26, provided a concrete example of how, after receiving a kidney from his brother without complications, he was able to return to a normal pace of life, complete his studies, and join the labor market. Similarly, cornea transplant recipient Mohamed Dahabi (54 years old) expressed a significant improvement in his eyesight and the return of hope to his daily life, declaring his willingness to participate in sensitization campaigns in support of this humanitarian work.

The religious and legal dimension of the operation

The religious and legal aspects were addressed by Dr. Mustapha Ben Hamza, president of the Scientific Council of the Eastern Province, and Ali Ahnin, vice president of the Court of First Instance in Oujda. Ben Hamza emphasized the importance of disseminating correct information about organ donation and the need to refer to specialists in Islamic jurisprudence to address the issues raised, reminding that one of the purposes of Sharia is to help save lives and alleviate the pain of others through legitimate and safe means.

Ahnine also presented the legal framework governing the donation process, explaining that Law 19-98 defines a precise procedure for organ donation in order to protect the process from deviations, exploitation, or turning it into an illegal profit-making activity