The former Iranian foreign minister, and head of Massih Daneshvari hospital in Tehran, Dr. Ali Akbar Velayati, has emphasized that no country in Asia has advanced more in transplant surgery than the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Velayati made the remarks on 20 May, just ahead of Iran's national organ donation day, which is held every year, on 21 May. Velayati also pointed out that lung transplants are considered among the most difficult of transplant surgery. He said in Massih Daneshvari hospital , over many years, a total of 190 lung transplant surgeries , and 220 heart transplant surgeries have been expertly carried out.
In further remarks, Dr. Velayati said a transplant surgery is usually performed free of charge for the patient here at the Massih Daneshvari hospital , but of course, a transplant surgery is very expensive. Dr. Velayati added: "Much of the cost of surgery is paid for by the health ministry, the hospitals themselves underwrite some of the cost of transplant surgery.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Dr. Velayati said each person who donates his or her organs (after death) to others can save up to eight lives, because his or her heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, etc. can save a person's life.
Iran's national organ donation day, is held every year, on 21 May.
