HÀ TĨNH —  A 19-year-old girl in the central province of Hà Tĩnh has received a letter of compliment from President Trần Đại Quang applauding her decision to donate her brain-dead mother’s organs.

President Quang said he was touched by Nguyễn Thị Sáng’s brave decision made in the sorrowful moments of her mother’s death.

“Although still young, you have overcome social prejudice and the family’s difficulties and loss to perform such a humane deed.

“May I share with you and your family the loss and grief. I hope you will soon overcome the difficulties, return to a stable life and become the sheet-anchor for your younger siblings,” the letter said.

On March 19, Sáng’s mother was admitted to HCM City’s Chợ Rẫy Hospital following a serious traffic accident.

While waiting at the hospital, Sáng watched a video clip which explained how organs from a brain-dead person can save the lives of 7-8 other people.

After learning that her mother was brain dead and could not be saved, Sáng decided to donate her organs. She later explained to the media that when her mother was alive, she always helped other people in difficulty and had taught her children to do the same.

“I think my mother would be pleased to know about my decision,” Sáng said.

Four patients with kidney, liver and cornea-related medical issues have been cured thanks to her action.

Besides the letter of compliment, President Quang also granted Sáng VNĐ20 million (US$880) as encouragement for her to overcome life’s difficulties.

Hà Tĩnh Province’s People Committee also gave the girl VNĐ10 million.

Sáng and her two younger sisters are now temporarily living with their uncle in Hà Tĩnh.

In Việt Nam, organ donation is in dire need to meet increasing demand. Over 16,000 patients suffering from heart, kidney, liver and lung diseases and more than 6,000 blind people are awaiting eye donations, according to the Ministry of Health.

However, public awareness of organ donation remains limited, leading to the shortage of organ donation sources.

According to reports of Hà Nội-based Việt Đức Hospital, one of the 17 facilities qualified to perform organ transplants, there are around 1,000 brain dead patients every year. However, only 26 donated their organs between 2011 and 2015. — VNS