Shenzhen Airlines, China's largest private carrier, signed an
agreement on Tuesday to transport donated corneas and other human
organs free of charge for three medical organizations.
The move marks the first time that an airline company has signed
such an agreement in this country.
"Shenzhen Airlines' commitment to providing fast, expedited
aviation services will ensure that the donated organs get to where
they need to go. It will benefit recipients and help promote organ
donations around the nation," said Chen Zhonghua, deputy director
of the Chinese Medical Association's organ transplantation
sub-committee, at the signing ceremony.
The two other medical organizations covered by the deal are the
Shenzhen Red Cross Society and Shenzhen Eye Hospital.
According to the agreement, Shenzhen Airlines will provide space
on its flights and dedicate manpower to transport donated corneas
and organs that have been approved by the Chinese Medical
Association to designated destinations free of charge.
About 4 million patients suffer from cornea illnesses, while
some 1 million people are struggling with various types of
end-stage organ failure in China. However, only 5,000 cornea
transplants and 8,000 organ transplants take place each year, said
Zhao Lizhen, secretary-general of the Shenzhen Red Cross
Society.
And some of transplants fail because of the delays in delivering
the donated organs, she said. Most organs should be transplanted
within six hours after being removed.
Chen said he hoped more airline companies, especially China's
three biggest carriers, would follow Shenzhen Airlines' example. "A
far-reaching, speedy and convenient aviation transportation network
would allow donors to accomplish the goals laid out in their wills
and allow patients to regain their eyesight or continue their
lives," said Chen.
(China Daily January 18, 2007)