The Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation, says the number of people wishing to donate their organs after death has reached about 533,000 across the country.

The organ donation is to save the lives of  patients and give them hope for new opportunities in life.

The center said it has intensified awareness campaign to raise the interest of people to donate to the cause, so as to provide enough organs for transplantation to those in dire need.

According to the centre, Riyadh, the Saudi capital, has the highest number of people wishing to donate their organs after death, with about 142,000 registered, while Makkah came second with about 115,000 donors.

The Eastern Province ranked third with 65,000 donors, while Najran has just 1, 500.

The head of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation, Dr. Talal Al-Goufi, however said it was possible some families may refuse to allow the removal of an organ after the death of the donor.

According to Dr. Al-Goufi, as at the end of 2023, a total of 6,000 organs has been successfully transplanted to those in dire need.

He added that private medical services in organ transplantation are progressing in all regions of Saudi Arabia, with 26 private centers offering the service across the country.