THE DOHA MODEL OF ORGAN DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION: THINKING BEYOND CITIZENSHIP

Abstract

This paper reviews the policy and practice of organ donation and transplantation in Qatar since January 2011. Important features of the Doha Model are explored, including: (i) all legal residents of Qatar have an equal right to access deceased donor organs and transplantation regardless of their citizenship status; (ii) no prioritisation in organ allocation; (iii) a multilingual and multicultural education and promotional program about donation; (iv) financial incentives for donation are prohibited. The ethical framework of this policy is examined with reference to the national self-sufficiency paradigm. Preliminary evidence of the impact of the Model in engaging a diverse multinational population is reviewed. The Model may inform policy and practice in other countries, particularly those with non-citizen resident populations.