Türkiye performed over 5,000 organ transplants in 2023
In the first hours of the new year for organ transplants in Antalya, Akdeniz University Organ Transplant Center teams raced against time in operations led by center director Prof. Dr. Bulent Aydınlı and surgeons Prof. Dr. Ismail Demiryılmaz, Prof. Dr. Abdullah Kısaoglu and Lecturer Dr. Ali Avanaz. (Orhan Cicek - Anadolu Agency)
Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu announced that Türkiye performed more than 5,000 organ transplants in 2023, positioning the country among the top five in the world for organ transplantation. The announcement was made during the 30th International Organ Transplant Congress, held at the Istanbul Congress Center.
The total number of organ transplants performed in Türkiye between 2002 and November 2023 was 74,704. Of these transplants, 52,258 were kidney, 20,671 liver, 1,210 heart, 320 lung, 198 pancreas and 47 small intestine transplants. From 2010 to November 2023, cornea transplants reached 37,666 cases.
These numbers show that thousands of patients waiting for organ transplants have been offered a new chance at life.
Acknowledging the global need for organ transplants
Addressing the attendees, including Istanbul Governor Davut Gul and Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Memisoglu expressed gratitude to those who dedicate their lives to saving others. “While thousands of lives are lost around the world, especially in Gaza, I thank every one of you who works tirelessly to save lives,” he said.
Memisoglu reflected on his early career, recalling his time as an idealistic intern during the first liver transplant in 1980. He also paid tribute to his mentor, who played a pivotal role in passing groundbreaking organ and tissue transplant legislation in 1979.
Türkiye’s organ transplant achievements
Türkiye’s organ transplant infrastructure includes 76 kidney transplant centers, 52 liver transplant centers, 15 heart transplant centers, and 2 lung transplant centers, supported by the National Organ Transfer Coordination Center. Memisoglu stated that these facilities, staffed by over 1,000 people, achieved a 95% one-year survival rate for transplants in 2023.
“We are one of the top five countries in the world in organ transplantation,” Memisoglu said, emphasizing the importance of further increasing transplant numbers and promoting posthumous organ donations. He thanked international experts, including prominent surgeons like Akin Tekin and Andreas, who have contributed to Türkiye’s success.
