Almost 1,400 organ transplants carried out in 2023, a new record
"Catalonia is a national and international benchmark," says health minister
A record 1,393 organ transplants were performed in Catalonia in 2023, up 3.5% on the previous year (1,346).
There were also more donors than ever: 187 living donors and 384 deceased donors, according to data from the Catalan Transplantation Organization (OCATT).
The 1,393 organ transplants in 2023 represent a rate of 176 per million inhabitants, one of the highest in the world.
"Catalonia is a national and international benchmark, and the figures show the great work that goes on, raising awareness, in hospitals, and the generosity of donors, said Manel Balcells, Catalan health minister, during a press conference on Monday. "The system is working very well," he added.
OCATT director, Jaume Tort, agreed. "Donors and transplants have grown. We are very proud of the work done and the solidarity of donors and families. Because without a donation, there is no transplant," Tort said.
Almost 1,000 kidney transplants were performed, 976, a new record and 2.9% more than the previous year. A total of 226 liver transplants, 11.3% more, and 56 heart transplants, 3.7% more, were carried out.
Pancreas transplants remained stable, at 33, while the number of lung transplants fell to 104, down 4.7%.
Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona performed the most transplants, 399. It is the only hospital in Catalonia with adult and pediatric transplant programs.
Hospital Clínic (230) and Bellvitge (213) both carried our more than 200 transplants for the second consecutive year.
A total of 59 transplants were carried out in children in 2023, the second highest behind 61 in 2022.
The number of families who declined to donate their relative's organs climbed slightly from 18% to 22%.