On Thursday, the Trump administration announced what officials called a “historic” crackdown on the country’s troubled organ procurement system, pledging to strengthen surveillance, accountability and patient safety reform.
“Every American should feel safe to become organ donors and give the gift of life,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He said at a press conference.
“But decades of neglected patient safety concerns have driven more and more Americans out of the donor list. Today, under President Trump’s leadership, we will take bold and historical action to restore confidence in the organ procurement process.”
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For the first time in US history, the Department of Health and Human Services is moving to accuse the Organ Procurement Agency (OPO) mid-cycle. (Usually, OPOs are only evaluated during scheduled review periods.)
“The Life Alliance Organ Recocary Agency, based in Miami, Florida, has a long record of defects that are directly linked to patient harm,” Kennedy said. “It could have been just a lack of staffing…8 people missed out. Organ recovery Every week. About one life was lost every day. ”
Kennedy shared the story of his nephew Michael, who suffered cerebral palsy and died at the age of 20. His organs saved multiple lives.
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The secretary urged Americans to think first, arguing that organ donations are something “we all need to think about.”
“It’s an extraordinary gift and gives meaning to our lives. No matter how different we are on the outside… we are all on the inside, and we are Gifts of life To each other. ”
Dr. Mehmet Ozthe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, underscored the importance of this decision, calling organ donations a “gift of love.”
“This is the first time in history. We have a certification of the central cycle of organ procurement organizations,” he said at the meeting.
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Oz also pointed out that there are currently 100,000 people waiting for American organs.
“As I speak, others will be added to that list. During this press conference, someone waiting for an organ will die,” he said.
He noted that 28,000 donated organs were unparalleled every year, and that all missed donations lost the opportunity to save lives.
Dr. Marty McCurry, director of the Food and Drug Administration, called organ waste a “tragedy.”
“For too long, we have seen conflicts of interest… the gaming of the system, inefficiency… Today is our first time. Organ Procurement Organization“McCurry said.
Thomas J. Engels, manager of health resources and services management, said modernization was already underway and that the organization has opened a “direct reporting channel on fraud and safety concerns.”
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There are also new investments in the program, including $25 million to support living givers by covering non-medical expenses such as lost wages, travel and childcare.
Experts also pointed to the future of transplant science and cited the first clinical trial for recent xenografts (inter-animal transplants) glowing green. They also discussed how 3D printing of organs could be one day be viable.
Oz said the new reforms will send a harsh message to other organ procurement organizations.
“We have a new sheriff in town. If they don’t take care of the Americans, we’re here for them.”
Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency, located in Miami, Florida, has posted a statement on the following website in response to the announcement of HHS:
“We are aware of the decision issued today by the Department of Health and Human Services and the agency’s investigation into organ procurement practices across the country. We will work fully with the HHS to ensure a smooth transition and will not appeal. First patient. Our focus remains on protecting the dignity of our donors, supporting families, and promoting a mission to save lives in organ transplants. ”
