As of: February 28, 2024, 5:38 a.m
By: Christoph Gschoßmann
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Press
Split
Anyone who has ever lost their ID will be happy: the digitalization of ID cards is making progress.
A registry will become a reality in March.
Kassel - Driver's license and ID still have to be patient, but the digital organ donor card is coming.
The long-planned internet register for organ donations in Germany is scheduled to go into operation gradually from March 18, 2024.
From this date onwards, it is possible to submit a declaration of willingness to donate using an ID card with an online function (eID).
This was announced by the Federal Ministry of Health.
The second step will then take place on July 1, 2024. Clinics that remove organs can now search and access registered declarations.
Until September 30th, it should be possible for insured persons to submit declarations regarding their wish to donate organs directly via their health insurance apps.
Donated organs can save the lives of seriously ill people.
Karl Lauterbach: Digital organ donation card “ensures clarity and security”
According to Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD), the new function makes it easier for doctors to “clarify a potential organ donor’s willingness to donate quickly and reliably.” The register makes it possible for the first time to document declarations online.
It also relieves relatives of having to make a difficult decision in an emergency.
“A decision documented in the organ donation register ensures clarity and security.” He called on citizens to document their decision to donate organs.
An organ donor card.
During the course of the year, an organ donation register will go online in which you can record your decision.
© Hannes P. Albert/dpa
Germany is at the bottom of the list in Europe when it comes to organ donation
The number of organ donations in Germany increased last year, because after a sharp decline in 2022, there was a slight recovery in 2023, said the German Organ Transplantation Foundation (DSO).
Last year, 965 people donated one or more organs after their death, 96 more than the year before.
This corresponds to 11.4 donors per million inhabitants; in 2022 it was 10.3 donors per million inhabitants.
Nevertheless, there is a significant shortage of donor organs in this country.
Not all people waiting for an organ can be helped, even though medical options exist.
In an international comparison, Germany is at the bottom and benefits from other member states in the Eurotransplant network by receiving more organs than it gives away.
Organ donation portal available from March
The digital version of the ID card may help make organ donations more popular again in Germany.
In 2020, the Bundestag passed the organ donation reform, with the central register as a core element.
The register was supposed to start on March 1, 2022, but many delays followed, including due to the Corona crisis.
The plan is to address citizens directly on the issue at least every ten years.
Anyone aged 16 or over applying for a passport or identity card should receive information material at the office or online.
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The portal
www.organspende-register.de
will be set up at the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices.
President Karl Broich said stored declarations and personal data are protected from manipulation or unauthorized access.
The servers for this are located in Germany.
Secure authentication procedures ensured that only the person making the declaration and authorized hospital staff could access the declaration.
The institute wants to publish the number of declarations recorded in the register annually.
Entry in the register is voluntary and free of charge and can be changed at any time, the ministry clarified.
While organ donor cards can get lost or not be found, the online register is also available at any time.
The technical and organizational requirements for using the register should be created in hospitals by July 1st.
There is a transition period until January 2025. To be on the safe side, you should continue to carry your ID until this point or enter your wish into a living will.
(cgsc with dpa and afp)