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Ministry of Health
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  2. The Medical (Therapy, Education and Research) Act (MTERA)

The Medical (Therapy, Education and Research) Act (MTERA)

Medical (Therapy, Education and Research) Act (MTERA) is an opt-in scheme, where people can pledge their organs or any body parts for the purposes of transplant, education or research after they pass away.

Last updated 20 December 2024

How do I opt in to MTERA?

You can pledge your organs by completing the Organ Donation Pledge Form and sending it to the National Organ Transplant Unit.

Read the act.

What is the difference between the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA) & MTERA?

Differences between HOTA and MTERA


HOTA

MTERA

Age

21 years old and above

18 years and above

The adult next-of-kin can also pledge the organs of deceased patients of any age for donation.

Organs included

Kidney
Liver
Heart
Cornea

All organs and tissues including skin and bone.

Purpose(s)

Transplant

Transplant and treatment
Education
Research

Nationality

Singapore Citizens and PRs

Any nationality

Religion

Any religion (Muslims were included under HOTA from 1 August 2008)

Any religion (For Muslims, MUIS has issued fatwas stating that the donation of kidney, liver, heart and cornea is permissible.)

Consent

Opt-out

People who meet the above criteria will be automatically included under HOTA unless they register their objection.

Opt-in

People need to opt in and pledge their organs/tissues for donation under this scheme.


National Organ Transplant Unit

In response to the increase in number of organ transplant programmes in Singapore, the National Organ Transplant Unit was established to tailor organ procurement activities to meet the needs of the various transplant teams.

The responsibilities of the Unit are to:

  • Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve the goals of the transplant programmes.

  • Manage the operational aspects of organ/tissue procurement.

  • Participate in public campaigns with other partner agencies to increase awareness on organ donation.

  • Develop training strategies for health care workers to increase awareness on organ donation and transplantation.

  • Audit and maintain data on donor referrals and outcomes of organs/tissues procured.

  • Administer the Organ Donor Registry.

Contact the National Organ Transplant Unit 6321 4390 or email organ.transplant@notu.com.sg for more information.

Send registration forms to:

Officer-in-Charge
National Organ Transplant Unit
c/o Singapore General Hospital
Singapore 169608

Organ Donor Registry
The Organ Donor Registry maintains registers of:

  • People who wish to donate their organs or bodies for transplantation, research or education upon their death, under the Medical (Therapy, Education and Research) Act (MTERA), and

  • People who wish to register their objection to the removal of kidneys, liver, heart and corneas upon death for the purpose of transplantation, under the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA).