From January 1 to March 31, 2025, in Switzerland, 52 people donated their bodies after their death, an increase of 16% compared to the previous quarter. Never the number of organs transplanted in a quarter has been so high in Switzerland: 169, 37% more than in the previous quarter.
“This high rate of transplants is explained by the professionalism of all the specialists involved in the five networks of Swiss organ donation,” said Franz Immer, director of Swisstransplant, in a press release from this foundation.
The number of interviews with relatives remains stable at a high level. In 2024, an interview with relatives took place for 87% of the deaths after which an organ donation was possible. However, consent to organ donation during interviews with relatives decreases: in 2024, only 38% of the interviews gave rise to consent to organ donation, which represents a decline of 4% compared to the previous year.
-“In more than half of cases, relatives do not know what the deceased wanted. In these situations, the refusal rate is today above 80%. The introduction of the principle of consent will relieve relatives and will result in an increase in the rate of consent, ”explains Franz Immer.
The Confederation creates a new electronic register in which it will be possible to indicate in the future whether or not we wish to donate your organs and tissues after his death. This register of organ and tissue donation will be put in place in 2026. The principle of consent must then enter into force six months later.
Organ donation is and remains a voluntary act. It is recommended to record your personal decision – yes or not to organ donation – and to talk to your loved ones. The anticipated directives of the FMH or, if necessary, the patient’s electronic file are the most suitable means to do so.
