DICG Interviews
In 2024, The Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group (DICG) conducted a series of in-depth interviews with past and present leaders of the Declaration of Istanbul (DOI) to capture their experiences, perspectives, and the lessons learned over the years. These conversations highlight the personal journeys of leaders who have been instrumental in shaping the DOI, how they first became involved, and the enduring importance of this landmark initiative in promoting ethical practices in organ donation and transplantation worldwide. By sharing these reflections, the DICG underscores not only the ongoing relevance of the DOI but also the collective commitment of its leaders to uphold its principles and inspire the next generation of professionals in the field.
In this interview, Beatriz Domínguez-Gil and Georgina Irish delve into the critical challenges of understanding and quantifying the realities of illegal transplant tourism. They reflect on the importance of reliable data collection, the role of registries, and the lessons learned from past initiatives such as the ITOT survey. Beatriz highlights the work of the Council of Europe and the value of national focal points in strengthening oversight and coordination, while both emphasize the barriers that continue to impede accurate reporting and monitoring. Their discussion brings forward the urgent need to overcome these obstacles in order to create a clearer picture of the problem and to inform effective strategies for prevention and policy development.
In this conversation, DICG Council members Jolanta Malyszko and Rumeyza Kazancioglu reflect on their personal journeys into the field of transplantation and their evolving relationship with the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group.They share how their career trajectories led them to engage deeply with the ethical and clinical challenges of organ donation and transplantation. Their discussion explores the critical balance between living and deceased donation, the importance of ethical altruistic donation, and the realities faced in patient care and policy. They emphasize how the principles of the Declaration of Istanbul are not only a global framework but also a daily guide in their professional practice, shaping their commitment to ethical standards, protecting vulnerable patients, and advancing equitable access to transplantation worldwide. Both highlight the vital role of thorough checks and the oversight of ethics boards in ensuring that every transplantation is conducted transparently, responsibly, and in full alignment with the highest ethical standards.
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Rumeyza Kazancioglu
Professor of Nephrology
Bezmialem Vakıf University School of Medicine
Turkey
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Jolanta Małyszko
Head of the Department of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Internal Medicine
Medical University of Warsaw
Poland
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In this interview, Anantharaman Vathsala shares her insights as a valued member of the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group (DICG), reflecting on her role in advancing the principles of the Declaration of Istanbul (DOI). She emphasizes the ongoing challenges in transplantation, noting that, unfortunately, practices such as exploitation of vulnerable individuals and organ vending still persist today. Anantharaman also discusses how the DICG has evolved over time, adapting its strategies to address emerging ethical and practical challenges in organ donation and transplantation. She highlights the critical importance of raising awareness about transplant tourism and the ethical dilemmas it presents, illustrating how the DOI continues to guide policy, protect patients, and promote ethical standards.
Anantharaman Vathsala
Acting Head, Department of Medicine
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
Singapore
In this interview, Debasish Banerjee and Vivekanand Jha explore the complex ethical landscape of transplantation, reflecting on the persistence of unethical practices. Drawing on their experience—including a period working together—they discuss historical challenges, transplant commercialism, the impacts of privatization, and the role of legislation in reducing commercial transplants in India, while noting the limits of enforcement. Vivek shares insights from his role in developing the original Declaration of Istanbul (DOI) in 2008, and Debasish reflects on his experiences in India and the UK, highlighting how international collaboration, including through WHO, reinforces the DOI principles. They emphasize the responsibility of clinicians in upholding ethics, advocating for patients, and ensuring transplantation remains safe and equitable, and underline the importance of vigilance, policy, and education in guiding global practice.
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Vivek Jha
Executive Director
The George Institute for Global Health
India
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Debasish Banerjee
Consultant Nephrologist and Clinical Lead, Renal and Transplantation Unit
St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
United Kingdom
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In this interview, María Amalia Matamoros Ramírez speaks with Alejandro Niño Murcia about his experiences following his recent recognition award from The Transplantation Society (TTS). Alejandro reflects on his work with the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group (DICG), sharing insights into the challenges and successes of helping countries across Latin America develop transplantation legislation and establish ethical, effective transplant programs. He highlights the importance of collaboration, education, and advocacy in promoting patient safety, transparency, and adherence to international ethical standards, illustrating how the principles of the DOI guide practical efforts to strengthen transplantation systems throughout the region
