Oslo: The number of potential organ donors in Norway has risen sharply since Crown Princess Mette-Marit was placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Royal Palace in Oslo announced on June 5 that Mette-Marit had been placed on the waiting list. Following this announcement, approximately 12,000 people have registered as organ donors, as reported by the Norwegian news agency NTB, citing the country's Organ Donation Foundation. This marks a significant increase, with registrations soaring 180 times, or nearly 18,000%, compared to the previous month.
Mette-Marit, aged 52, is battling pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable condition that results in scarring of lung tissue, making breathing increasingly difficult. As a result, she now relies on an oxygen tank for daily activities. Patients generally need to have a life expectancy of about one year without a transplant to qualify for the lung transplant waiting list.
According to the Organ Donation Foundation, around 600 patients are currently on the waiting list for a donor organ in Norway. The waiting list for lung transplants is relatively short at present, as noted by lung specialist Are Holm.
Norway operates an opt-out system for organ donation, meaning that deceased individuals are considered potential donors unless they have explicitly objected during their lifetime. However, relatives are always consulted and retain the right to refuse the removal of organs.