Pioneering the Future of Organ Transplantation: Lessons from the Spanish Model
Authors
-
Nelson Santiago Vispo
Clinical Biotec SL. and Bionatura Journal. Madrid. 28029. Spain
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4081-3984
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70099/BJ/2025.02.01.1Keywords:
Organ transplantation, Spanish model, donation rate, presumed consent, global health leadership, ECMO technology, ethical transplantation, World Health Organization (WHO), public awareness campaigns, and healthcare innovationAbstract
Spain has consistently demonstrated global leadership in organ transplantation, culminating in record achievements in 2024. With 6,464 transplants performed, including significant advancements in kidney, liver, and lung procedures, Spain reached a donation rate 52.6 per million population, surpassing international benchmarks. The success of the Spanish model is rooted in its progressive legislation, clinical leadership, and public awareness campaigns, fostering trust and solidarity. Technological innovations, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and programs addressing complex cases, like PATHI and donation after euthanasia, have further positioned Spain as a reference for ethical and efficient transplantation systems. Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and highlighted by The Lancet, Spain's transplantation model is a benchmark for equitable and transparent practices. This paper explores the pillars of its success, the innovations driving its impact, and the lessons it offers to the global community.
References
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Medical Journal. Spain exceeds 6,400 transplants in 2024, with an average of 17 per day. Diario Médico [Internet]. 2025 Jan 16 [cited 2025 Jan 16]; Available from: https://www.diariomedico.com/medicina/politica/espana-supera-6400-trasplantes-2024-media-17-dia.html.
National Transplant Organization (ONT). Informe Anual 2021. Madrid: Ministry of Health; 2022.
Spanish Transplant Law. Law 30/1979, of October 27, 1979, on organ extraction and transplantation. Official State Gazette (BOE). 1979 October 27. Available at: https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-1979-26445.
The Lancet. Organ donation: lessons from the Spanish model. The Lancet. 2024 Sep 28;404(1171):1171. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)02128-7.
World Health Organization. Spain's Secretary of State for Health discusses joint global health priorities with WHO [Internet]. 2024 April 25. Available from: https://www.who.int/es/news/item/25-04-2024-spain-s-secretary-of-state-for-health-discusses-joint-global-health-priorities-with-who.
World Health Organization. Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly: Daily update—May 30 2024 [Internet]. 2024 May 30.Available from: https://www.who.int/es/news/item/30-05-2024-seventy-seventh-world-health-assembly---daily-update--30-may-2024.
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