New chapter in reform and development of organ donation and transplantation in China: Embracing past, grounding in national conditions, upholding steadfast belief, and looking forward to future

Abstract

The reform stems from honesty and determination. Since 2005, organ donation and transplantation in China has undergone thorough reform, which complies with legislation requirements and ethical principles established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Reform in China has demonstrated the unwavering confidence and utmost determination of the Chinese government and the Chinese transplantation community. The year 2015 marked a historic turning point when voluntary donations from Chinese citizens became the sole legitimate source for organ transplantation. Since 2015, China has gradually established and refined the “Chinese Mode” and “China System” for organ donation and transplantation, fulfilling its political pledge of reform, and has garnered international recognition, and fostered a social culture which promotes organ donation. This article reviewed the history of reform on organ donation and transplantation in China, presented a new pattern of establishment of organ donation system in the new era of the country, and the direction of advances in the future.