DOH eyes Guinness record for organ donors

MANILA, Philippines - With organ donations still unacceptable to many Filipinos, the Department of Health (DOH) will try to break two Guinness World Records on the “most people to sign up for organ donations” on Feb. 28.

DOH-Philippine Network for Organ Sharing program manager Antonio Paraiso said yesterday organ donation has long been in place in the country but the lack of understanding and awareness about its processes and consequences are stopping many from donating their organs.

Because of this, he said they thought of making bids for Guinness records to promote organ donations. 

“We are simply asking the people to pledge; to leave a legacy that in the event they die in such a manner, their organs can be used for transplantation.  We will be issuing ‘lifeline’ (organ donor cards),” he said.

Paraiso noted the country will attempt to beat the records of having 2,755 pledged organ donors in “one hour single site” in Ahmedabad, Guijarat, India on Sept. 17, 2013 and the 10,450 donors in “eight hours single site” in Sir Chhotu Ram stadium in Rohtak, Haryana, India on Dec. 1, 2013.

The Philippines is also hoping to set new records for the “one and eight multiple sites,” which will be held at the track and field oval of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila; the Quezon City Memorial Circle in Quezon City; RTMC in San Fernando City, La Union; L. Mamba gym in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; JMR Coliseum in Naga City and in the Almendras gym in Davao City.