Organ Donation and Transplantation in Pakistan: Religious, Social, Ethical and Economical Perspectives

Abstract

Organ donation and transplantation are powerful means of saving lives, but the growing demand for organ transplants remains unmet, presenting significant challenges. This study explores the concept of organ donation and transplantation in Pakistani society, focusing on the influence of religious, social, cultural, ethical, and economic factors on public perceptions and practices. Despite the urgent need for organ donations, Pakistan faces a persistent shortage, leading to a substantial number of deaths due to organ failure annually. The primary objective of this research is to identify the underlying reasons why organ donation remains a complex issue in Pakistan and propose strategies to foster wider societal acceptance. A key focus is the religious perspective, particularly within Islam, where misconceptions about the permissibility of organ donation persist. Islamic law, derived from the Quran and Hadith, supports organ donation to save lives; however, many remain unaware or misinformed about these guidelines. Cultural and social norms further hinder deceased organ donation, especially with respect to familial decision-making and traditional death rituals. Cultural values emphasizing respect for the human body also contribute to opposition against posthumous donation. Ethical concerns, particularly regarding voluntariness and organ trafficking, complicate the situation. Economic factors, including widespread poverty, socioeconomic disparities, and the high costs of transplant procedures, exacerbate the challenge, while inadequate healthcare infrastructure hampers efforts to improve donation rates. This research adopts a qualitative methodology, and expert opinions to examine these issues and propose viable solutions. Findings emphasize the importance of increasing public awareness, providing religious and ethical guidance, implementing government interventions, and improving healthcare infrastructure. The study concludes that fostering a supportive environment for organ donation in Pakistan requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach, including legislative reforms, educational initiatives, and collaboration among policymakers, medical professionals, and religious scholars. These efforts could save many lives and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.