Switzerland sets record for imported organs in 2025

Contesto

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 Cur...

Dettagli operativi

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 demonstrat...

Punti chiave

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 F...

Punti chiave

{"q":"How can I become an organ donor in Switzerland?","a":"To become an organ donor in Switzerland, you need to register in the national donor registry through the Swisstransplant website. It's important to inform your family of your decision and to draft a signed written document expressing your wish to donate organs."},{"q":"What are the tax implications of organ donation?","a":"The tax implications of organ donation can vary depending on your individual situation. It is advisable to consult a tax expert or use the [tax calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website to get an accurate estimate."},{"q":"Which organs can be donated?","a":"In Switzerland, it is possible to donate various organs, including kidneys, liver, heart, pancreas, and lungs. It is important to discuss with your doctor to better understand the available donation options."}]

Related articles

• Allerta meteo per temporali e grandine
• Direttrice Unispital Zurigo ringrazia il whistleblower licenziato
• Temporali e grandine nel Luganese: allerta livello 3
• Riforma disoccupazione frontalieri, pressioni dalla Francia sulla Svizzera
• Tasse frontalieri Ticino