UAE's ministry announces 15 incentives, insurance for human organ and tissue donors

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has outlined 15 types of incentives and benefits for organ and tissue donors and their families, which include medical, insurance, and in-kind benefits.

These comprise 10 in-kind incentives, one insurance benefit, and four medical benefits. According to a decision from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the in-kind benefits encompass a range of supports.

These include accommodation facilities near the hospital where treatment occurs, logistical and administrative support for the patient’s companions, coverage for necessary travel and transportation expenses, assistance with work absences during the donor's recovery period, essential home care assistance for donors, and granting of certificates of appreciation or honorary medals to donors (both living and deceased).

Further benefits include sending official annual letters of gratitude, documenting and sharing their humanitarian stories at national, academic, artistic, or humanitarian events, providing psychological and social support programs for families of deceased donors, and organising annual events to honor donors and their families.

Additionally, any other in-kind benefits may be provided as decided by the Minister of Health and Prevention, following recommendations from the National Center for Organ Transplantation. Regarding insurance benefits, one notable aspect is comprehensive health insurance for living donors, as mandated by Article 9 of Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2023.

This ensures donors receive complete medical and insurance coverage for all donation-related exams and procedures.

The decision outlines four key medical benefits: covering costs associated with organ removal surgeries, hospital stays, and other healthcare services for the donor; ongoing monitoring of the donor's health post-donation; maintaining health insurance and healthcare access for any complications arising from the donation; and additional insurance coverage related to the donation, funded by specified entities.

Priority will be given to cases identified in the decision, following medical and ethical guidelines.

The Ministry highlighted that the decision aims to promote and encourage organ and tissue donation. It defines the services and support offered by the National Centre for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, seeks to eliminate barriers faced by donors or their families, acknowledges the humanitarian contributions of donors and their families, and initiates various solidarity programs in this field.

The resolution outlines that various organisations, including charitable and humanitarian bodies, social responsibility entities, local and international community institutions, health authorities, and insurance systems, are encouraged to support donors and their families with assistance both domestically and abroad.

These organisations are also encouraged to launch solidarity initiatives that promote the culture of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, in line with established systems and assistance packages.

Additionally, the resolution prioritises patients who require organ or tissue transplants, based on individual needs assessed by the National Centre in cooperation with relevant authorities.

The priority is categorised as follows: living donors and their relatives up to the fourth degree; individuals who expressed their willingness to donate during their lifetime or arranged for posthumous donation, along with their relatives up to the fourth degree; and relatives of deceased donors from whom organs were obtained, also up to the fourth degree.

The National Center for Organ Transplantation Regulation is authorised to propose necessary programs, including additional benefits, in accordance with the provisions of the Decree-Law and this resolution, pending the Minister’s approval.

The resolution emphasises that the offered benefits should not be perceived as trafficking or compensation for organ or tissue donation.

The National Centre responsible for coordinating donation and transplantation efforts will develop guidelines and procedures to implement this resolution in collaboration with relevant authorities.

The decision became effective with the enforcement of the executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, which took effect last April.