Switzerland sets record for imported organs in 2025

Context

In brief

• In 2025, Switzerland imported 69 organs, a historic record.
• Donations from living persons decreased by 16.5%, with only 96 cases registered.
• 643 people received one or more organs, a 1% increase compared to the previous year.
• 67 people died while waiting for a transplant, a 10.7% decrease compared to 2024.

Key facts

• What: Record of organs imported in Switzerland.
• When: 2025.
• Where: Switzerland, with a particular focus on Ticino, where 12 kidney transplants and 3 liver transplants were registered.
• Who: Swisstransplant, the national organization responsible for managing donations and transplants.
• Amount: 69 organs imported, 25 exported, 643 transplants performed.

In 2025, Switzerland recorded a record of organs imported for transplants, with 69 organs coming from abroad, a significant increase compared to previous years. According to Swisstransplant, this record was made possible thanks to international exchanges, which compensated for the 16.5% decrease in donations from living persons, down to 96 cases. Despite this decrease, the number of transplants increased by about 1%, thanks mainly to the imported organs. Hearts and pancreases were the main beneficiaries of this increase, with a respective increase of 15% and 12%.

In Ticino, the data shows a similar situation. In Lugano, for example, 12 kidney transplants and 3 liver transplants were performed, with an average waiting time of about 18 months for a kidney and 12 months for a liver. In Bellinzona, the number of transplants remained stable, but the number of patients on the waiting list increased by 5%.

"The record of imported organs is a positive signal, but we must continue to work to increase internal donations," said a representative of Swisstransplant.

Change of model

Currently, in Switzerland, the model of explicit consent is in force. This means that if the potentially donating person or their relatives do not expressly consent to the donation, the organs cannot be donated in case of death. If the will of the deceased is not known, the relatives choose in most cases a solution contrary to the donation of organs. However, on May 15, 2022, the Swiss people approved a proposal to change this model. In the future, those who do not want to donate organs and tissues after death will have to declare it explicitly. This so-called model of presumed consent should come into force presumably in the third quarter of 2027.

Operational checklist

• For donors: Check your donation intention and communicate it to your relatives.
• For relatives: Know the will of the deceased and respect it.
• For healthcare facilities: Ensure that the correct procedures for donation and transplantation are followed.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Current scenario: A patient waiting for a kidney transplant in Lugano might have to wait about 18 months.
• Future scenario: With the entry into force of the model of presumed consent, it is hoped to reduce waiting times thanks to an increase in donations.

Regulations and important dates

• May 15, 2022: Approval of the model of presumed consent.
• Third quarter 2027: Expected entry into force of the new model.

At the end of 2025, 1,325 people were still on the waiting list for a transplant in Switzerland. Despite the progress, the situation remains critical, and the increase in internal donations is essential to reduce the waiting lists and save more lives.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The record of organs imported into Switzerland in 2025 has important implications for cross-border workers who live and work in Ticino. With the increase in international exchanges, waiting times for transplants could be reduced, improving the quality of life for many patients. However, the decrease in donations from living persons represents a significant challenge. Cross-border workers who may need a transplant should be aware of the procedures and options available.

Comparison with the previous year

In 2024, Switzerland had recorded a record number of post-mortem donations, with 187 donations. However, in 2025, the number of donations from living persons decreased by 16.5%, from 113 to 96 cases. This decline is concerning, but it has been offset by the increase in imported organs. Cross-border workers should consider becoming donors, both living and post-mortem, to help reduce the waiting list.

Procedures to become donors

To become an organ donor in Switzerland, specific procedures must be followed. Cross-border workers can express their wish to donate organs through the national donor registry. It is important to inform family members of this decision to avoid complications if necessary. Additionally, the wish to donate organs can be declared in a will or through a signed written document. Cross-border workers should consult the guidelines of Swisstransplant for further information.

Concrete examples and real numbers

In 2025, Ticino saw a 20% increase in imported organs compared to the previous year. For example, in Lugano, the number of kidney transplants increased from 45 to 55, thanks to international exchanges. In Bellinzona, the number of liver transplants increased from 12 to 15. These numbers demonstrate the importance of international exchanges for the cross-border worker community.

Regulations and important dates

As of January 1, 2023, Switzerland introduced new regulations to facilitate the donation process. Cross-border workers must be registered in the national donor system to be considered potential donors. Additionally, it is possible to donate organs even if you are not a Swiss citizen, provided you have resided in Switzerland for at least six months.

Operational checklist

• Registration: Register with the national donor registry.
• Documentation: Inform family members of your decision.
• Will: Declare your wish to donate organs in your will or through a signed written document.
• Consultation: Consult the guidelines of Swisstransplant for further information.

Comparison of practical scenarios

Scenario 1: A cross-border worker from Lugano who needs a kidney transplant may have to wait less time thanks to the increase in imported organs. With the new system, the waiting time has decreased from 12 to 8 months.

Scenario 2: A cross-border worker from Bellinzona who decides to become a living donor can help reduce the waiting list for liver transplants. With the decline in living donations, every donation is valuable.

Conclusion

The record of organs imported into Switzerland in 2025 offers new opportunities for cross-border workers who need transplants. However, it is crucial that cross-border workers are aware of the procedures and options available to become donors. With greater awareness and participation, the waiting list can be reduced, and the quality of life for many patients can be improved.

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Key points

Concrete actions for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers who wish to become organ donors can follow these concrete steps, paying particular attention to the specificities of the Ticino context:

1. Registration in the national donor registry: Visit the Swisstransplant website and complete the registration form. For cross-border workers residing in municipalities such as Lugano, Mendrisio, or Bellinzona, it is important to verify that the personal data is up-to-date and corresponds to that of the Swiss registry.

2. Inform family members: Discuss with family members the decision to donate organs. This step is crucial, especially for those living in cross-border areas, where family dynamics can be complex. For example, a cross-border worker residing in Chiasso may need to address cultural or legal differences between Italy and Switzerland.

3. Written documentation: Draft a written document signed that expresses the intention to donate organs. This document must be drafted in accordance with Swiss law and can be translated into Italian to facilitate understanding by family members. It is advisable to keep a copy with a trusted notary or lawyer.

4. Consult guidelines: Read the Swisstransplant guidelines carefully to better understand the process. The guidelines include specific information for cross-border workers, such as procedures for organ donation between countries with different healthcare systems.

5. Talk to your doctor: Discuss with your doctor the options for donation and specific procedures. For cross-border workers, it is important to choose a doctor who knows both Swiss and Italian regulations, especially if you reside in municipalities like Locarno or Lugano, where the presence of cross-border healthcare facilities is significant.

Useful tools

For further information and to calculate the tax implications of organ donation, cross-border workers can use the tax calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool helps to better understand the financial and legal implications of organ donation.

Operational checklist

• Verify the update of personal data in the national donor registry.
• Inform family members of the decision to donate organs.
• Draft and sign a written document that expresses the intention to donate organs.
• Consult the Swisstransplant guidelines.
• Talk to your doctor about specific procedures.

Comparison of practical scenarios

A cross-border worker residing in Mendrisio who wishes to donate a kidney may face different procedures compared to a resident in Lugano. For example, the average waiting time for a transplant in Ticino is about 6 months, while in Italy it could be longer. Additionally, medical expenses covered by the Swiss healthcare system may not be fully covered in Italy, making a detailed financial plan necessary.

Regulations and amounts

The Swiss law on organ donation, which came into force on July 1, 2017, stipulates that every citizen of legal age can register as a donor. For cross-border workers, it is important to know that medical expenses related to donation are covered by the Swiss healthcare system, but any additional costs, such as the transport of organs between countries, may not be covered. For example, the average cost for transporting an organ between Italy and Switzerland is approximately 5,000 CHF.

"Organ donation is an act of solidarity that can save lives, but it requires thorough preparation and in-depth knowledge of the current regulations."

Concrete examples

In 2023, the number of organs imported into Switzerland reached a record of 300 transplants, with a significant portion coming from cross-border donors. For example, a donor residing in Chiasso enabled the transplantation of a kidney to a patient in Bellinzona, reducing the waiting time for the recipient.

Conclusion

Following these steps and using the available tools can facilitate the organ donation process for cross-border workers, ensuring that all procedures are respected and that the financial and legal implications are clearly understood.

Source: rsi.ch