Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), in cooperation with the Provincial Health Directorate and the Organ Transplant Coordinators Association (ONKOD), organized the symposium titled “Let Life Continue – Organ Donation Symposium” to raise awareness about the vital importance of organ donation.

The event was held at the OMU Atatürk Congress and Culture Center and opened with remarks by OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, who emphasized that diseases treatable only through organ and tissue transplantation have become one of today’s most critical health challenges.

Prof. Dr. Kurnaz: “Organ donation is not just a medical matter but a social responsibility”

Prof. Dr. Kurnaz pointed out that organ failure not only affects individuals’ lifespan and quality of life but also causes significant losses to the economy and workforce:

“For this reason, organ donation and transplantation are not only medical issues but also matters of social responsibility. The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Coordination System, affiliated with the Ministry of Health, plays a vital role in this process. Through this system, limited organs and tissues are allocated fairly and ethically to the most suitable patients based on scientific principles. However, when we look at the number of patients still waiting for transplants, it is clear that we have a long way to go.”

“32,982 citizens are currently waiting for organ transplants in Türkiye”

Prof. Dr. Kurnaz shared current national statistics:

“As of October, 1,801 cases of brain death have been identified in Türkiye, and 396 of these were approved for organ donation. Currently, 25,651 kidney, 2,504 liver, 1,540 heart, 207 lung, 235 pancreas, 4 small intestine, and 2,795 cornea patients—making a total of 32,982 citizens—are waiting for transplants. This data highlights our collective responsibility once again. In this regard, numerous awareness activities are carried out both in our province and at our university to increase organ donations, promote public awareness, and give hope to patients facing end-stage organ failure.”

Dr. Mehmet Kazak: “Türkiye’s organ donation system is transparent and reliable”

Dr. Mehmet Kazak, Head of the Samsun Regional Coordination Center for Organ and Tissue Transplantation, noted that any healthy person may one day need an organ transplant.

“Organ transplantation is a crucial subject, and dedicated teams are working tirelessly. The Ministry of Health has established a very effective system—intervention-free, transparent, and secure. Türkiye is divided into nine regional coordination centers, and Samsun is one of them, responsible for Rize, Trabzon, Ordu, Giresun, Sinop, Amasya, and Tokat. We have nearly 1,000 colleagues working in this field.”

Prof. Dr. Ünsal Özgen: “We strive to be part of this life-saving journey”

Prof. Dr. Ünsal Özgen, Chief Physician of OMU Faculty of Medicine Hospital, stated:

“Our organ transplant coordination unit has received every national award possible. I sincerely thank them for their dedication. The process of receiving, transporting, preparing, and transplanting organs—and preventing complications and managing post-operative follow-up—is a lifelong and challenging journey. As the hospital administration, we strive to be part of this important mission. I extend my gratitude to everyone involved.”

Scientific presentations and an organ donation-themed exhibition

After the opening speeches, scientific presentations were delivered, including:

• Prof. Dr. İbrahim Levent Güngör: “Diagnosis of brain death”
• Dr. Mehmet Kazak: “National Organ and Tissue Transplant Coordination System”

At the end of the symposium, an “Organ Donation-Themed Toy Exhibition” opened in the OMU foyer, attracting great interest from participants.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation and a group photo session.

Attendees included OMU Organ Transplant Coordinator Nurse Birgül Tan, academics, organ transplant recipients, patients awaiting transplants, and students.