While medical tourism for organ transplants has seen notable growth in Argentina in recent years, attracting a large number of international patients, the benefits can be limited! In this country, the allocation of organs is strictly regulated by INCUCAI to prevent “transplant tourism”. However, if the patient meets the legal requirements, they can enjoy:

  1. High-quality medical care and professionalism
    • The country has highly skilled doctors and internationally recognized transplant centers. More on the top institutions later!
    • Both public and private hospitals have advanced technology to perform complex procedures.
  2. Competitive medical treatment costs
    • Compared to other countries, surgery and medical treatment costs can be more affordable. This includes pre- and post-operative consultations, exams, and hospitalization.
  3. Access to specialists and comprehensive care
    • There are multidisciplinary teams that include immunologists, nephrologists, hepatologists, and surgeons specialized in transplants.
    • Post-operative follow-up is crucial and well-structured.
  4. Recovery in a favorable environment
    • Cities like Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Córdoba offer good weather conditions and specialized rehabilitation centers.
    • The country has tourism and wellness options for better recovery.

What does organ transplant involve?

What-does-organ-transplant-involve?

An organ transplant is a surgical procedure in which a diseased or non-functional organ is replaced by a healthy organ from a donor. It can be performed with organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and intestines. There are two main types of donors:

  • Living donors: Typically donate paired organs, like kidneys, or parts of organs that can regenerate, such as the liver.
  • Deceased donors: Individuals with confirmed brain death whose organs can be used to save lives.

It’s important to note that the success of the transplant depends on several factors, such as compatibility between the donor and recipient, the quality of the organ, and adherence to immunosuppressive treatment to prevent rejection.

“Justina Law” regulates organ transplants in Argentina

“Justina Law”-regulates-organ-transplants-in-Argentin

In Argentina, organ transplants are regulated by Law 27.447, known as the “Justina Law.” Enacted in 2018, this legislation establishes that all individuals over 18 are considered organ and tissue donors unless they have expressly stated their objection while alive. This expression of will can be made through the National Central Institute for Organ Transplant Coordination (INCUCAI) or the National Registry of Persons (RENAPER).

The National Central Institute for Organ Transplant Coordination (INCUCAI) is the organization responsible for coordinating, regulating, and overseeing donation and transplant activities in the country. It manages the national transplant waiting list and ensures transparency and fairness in organ and tissue allocation.

In 2023 alone, 4,264 transplants were performed in Argentina, including 2,143 organ transplants and 2,121 corneal transplants. These procedures were made possible through more than 1,700 donation processes, reaching a rate of 17.5 organ donors per million inhabitants.

Organ allocation is based on medical and compatibility criteria, prioritizing the patient’s condition, the compatibility between donor and recipient, and the time on the waiting list. The National Information System for Organ Donation and Transplantation of the Republic of Argentina (SINTRA) allows real-time management and monitoring of all aspects related to organ procurement and transplantation.

It is important to emphasize that while the law presumes consent for donation in individuals over 18, it is crucial for each person to express their will explicitly, whether affirmative or negative, to respect their wishes and facilitate the process for their families.

For more information or to register your will, you can contact INCUCAI at 0800-333-6627 (DONAR) or visit their official website.

Types of organ transplants performed in Argentina

Types-of-organ-transplants-performed-in-Argentina

These transplants can be classified based on the organ transplanted and the origin of the donor.

  1. By transplanted organ
    • Kidney transplant: The most common in Argentina. Can come from a living or deceased donor.
    • Liver transplant: Performed with either a deceased donor or a partial liver from a living donor.
    • Heart transplant: For patients with end-stage heart failure.
    • Lung transplant: Can involve a single or double lung transplant.
    • Pancreatic transplant: Performed alone or combined with kidney transplant (for severe Type 1 diabetes).
    • Intestinal transplant: Less common, but performed in specific cases of severe intestinal failure.
  2. By donor origin
    • Deceased donor transplant: The majority of organs come from individuals with brain death.
    • Living donor transplant: Permitted for kidney and partial liver transplants, usually from family members.
    • Tissue transplants, such as corneas, bone marrow, skin, and heart valves, are also performed.

Medical institutions in Argentina specializing in organ transplants

Medical-institutions-in-Argentina-specializing-in-organ-transplants

Important considerations for organ transplants in Argentina

Important-considerations-for-organ-transplants-in-Argentina

In summary, there are important limitations to consider if you are exploring medical tourism in Argentina for organ transplants:

  • Not all foreigners are eligible for transplants. Permanent residency or compliance with INCUCAI regulations is required.
  • Enrollment on the transplant waiting list in Argentina is subject to specific criteria. According to Resolution 342/2009 from INCUCAI, there are differentiated requirements for permanent, temporary, or transitory foreign residents.
  • Organ allocation is equitable and follows strict medical criteria, not preferences for foreign patients.

The goal is to ensure that organ allocation is done fairly and ethically. So if you are considering this option, it’s best to consult with INCUCAI and specialized clinics to understand the requirements.

You can also rely on the expertise of our specialist team. At turismomédicoargentina.com, we know and manage all the legal processes that govern these types of treatments “to the letter.” Additionally, we are affiliated with certified medical institutions specializing in organ transplants, assisting you with all the necessary procedures, with the endorsement of the Argentine Chamber of Medical Tourism.

Contact us now to learn more about your case! Discover how medical tourism for organ transplants works in our country.