Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday said he has told police to investigate what he said were attempts to disrupt Hong Kong's organ donation system ahead of a planned cross-border organ-matching scheme.

The administration says there has been a surge in applications from people seeking to de-register from the city's organ donation programme.

These include requests from people who aren't even signed up, officials say.

Ahead of this week's Executive Council meeting, Lee said he has told the police to look into whether any crime has been committed.

“If someone hasn’t even registered but asked to cancel the registration, I think it’s dubious and suspicious. I strongly condemn such attempts to detract from the value of this organ donation initiative. We should all condemn such an attempt because this is a disgrace,” he said.

Lee said the government will continue to promote organ donation, adding that the planned matching arrangement with the mainland will be life-saving.

The president of the Hong Kong Society of Transplantation, Maggie Ma, also expressed concern about the matter.

She said organ donation is a vital act of kindness to help those in need, and hopes it won't be affected by other factors.

Regarding the planned cross-border organ-matching scheme, Ma voiced support for the setting up of a comprehensive mechanism.

But she also said Hong Kong and the mainland have different systems, so it's unlikely to be achieved quickly. Ma pointed out that even when two hospitals in Hong Kong arrange an organ transplant, it takes time to discuss and liaise.
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Last updated: 2023-05-23 HKT 12:01