Taiwan’s Organ Transplant Milestone: A Decade of Gains
Taiwan is witnessing a substantial improvement in organ transplant outcomes, both in terms of procedure volume and patient survival rates, according to the Taiwan Organ Sharing Registry and Patient Autonomy Promotion Center (TOSRPAPC). At a press conference on Saturday, the center detailed a decade-long journey marked by growing awareness, systemic reform, and technological innovation — though challenges persist.
From 2023 to 2024, 2,165 patients successfully underwent organ transplants — a 30% increase compared to the 2015–2016 period. These figures reflect a strong upward trend, but Taiwan’s success doesn’t end with volume. Clinical outcomes have improved dramatically as well, with the three-year survival rate for transplant recipients rising from around 70% to 93%, and five-year survival now exceeding 50%, on par with top-tier international benchmarks.
Since 2015, over 10,171 patients have received organ or tissue transplants in Taiwan.
The Silent Crisis: More Than 10,000 Still Waiting
Despite these gains, organ shortages remain a serious issue. Taiwan currently has over 10,000 patients on the waiting list, and an average of 3.3 people die each day while waiting for a suitable organ. This highlights a deep gap between supply and demand.
- Kidneys are the most in-demand organs, accounting for 78.5% of waiting patients.
- Corneas follow at 8.8%.
- Livers are third at 7.9%.
This unmet demand reflects both medical and cultural barriers, particularly low consent rates from families of potential donors.
Cultural Roadblocks and Consent Dilemmas
Chairperson Lee Ming-che (李明哲) from TOSRPAPC pointed out a key challenge: fewer than 20% of families of eligible donors give consent to organ donation.
“Most donor opportunities arise when patients suffer catastrophic brain injuries. Families are often asked to make life-altering decisions amid emotional turmoil. Traditional values and grief make it even harder,” Lee explained.
In Taiwan’s Confucian-rooted culture, maintaining bodily integrity after death is highly valued, and emotional decisions are often shaped by generations of inherited beliefs.
Boosting Organ Donation Through Policy and Tech
In April 2024, the Ministry of Health and Welfare introduced a landmark update: allowing individuals to sign advance medical directives through their National Health Insurance cards. This digital process dramatically reduced the time and bureaucracy involved in registering as a donor.
The move paid off: the number of people signing advance directives surged from just 1,254 in April 2024 to 7,897 in March 2025 — a nearly sixfold increase in under a year.
The total number of registered organ donors has now crossed 660,000, a figure that MOHW says reflects growing public trust in the system.
Looking Ahead: From Awareness to Action
As Taiwan prepares to observe the 10th Organ Donation Memorial Day on June 19, officials and advocacy groups are emphasizing education, cross-ministerial collaboration, and support for donor families. Long-term goals include:
- Launching culturally sensitive awareness campaigns.
- Training healthcare professionals in end-of-life communication.
- Enhancing transparency in the organ allocation process.
- Expanding cross-border cooperation with other Asian transplant networks.
While Taiwan has made remarkable progress, the “last mile” in closing the donation gap will depend on shifting societal attitudes, improving consent rates, and continuous investment in public health education.
FAQs
How many people in Taiwan received organ transplants in 2023-2024?
2,165 individuals received organ transplants during this period, a 30% increase from 2015–2016.
What are the survival rates for transplant patients in Taiwan?
The three-year survival rate has reached 93%, and the five-year rate exceeds 50%, which aligns with global standards.
How many people are currently on the waiting list for transplants?
Over 10,000 patients are on the waiting list, with kidney transplants accounting for the majority.
Why is the organ donation rate still low despite technological progress?
Cultural factors and emotional stress at the time of decision-making deter many families from consenting to organ donation.
What has Taiwan done to encourage organ donation?
In 2024, Taiwan allowed individuals to sign advance medical directives through National Health Insurance cards, streamlining the registration process.
