Mexico City Faces Critical Organ Shortage: Over 3,000 Awaiting Transplants
Mexico City, September 25, 2026 – On the eve of National Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplant Day, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada Molina issued a fervent appeal to capital residents to become voluntary donors. Brugada highlighted the urgent need for donations, stating that more than 3,000 individuals in Mexico City are currently on waiting lists for organ and tissue transplants, with a significant 60 percent requiring a kidney.
The Mayor made her remarks following the inauguration of the exhibition “Respect Me Until Death” at the Yancuic Museum in Iztapalapa, featuring works by 21 plastic artists. She encouraged citizens to register through the Llave CDMX platform with the National Transplant Center (Cenatra).
Mexico City Leads in Donations and Transplants
Brugada proudly noted that Mexico City leads the nation in the number of voluntary donors, boasting over 50,000 registered individuals. This spirit of solidarity, she emphasized, is predominantly driven by women and young people, with seven out of ten donors being women and 60 percent falling within the 18 to 34 age bracket.
The capital also stands out as the entity where the highest number of transplants are performed, both in public sector institutions and private hospitals. So far this year, the city has seen 738 cornea transplants, 314 kidney transplants, 87 liver transplants, and 21 heart transplants.
The Human Element of Organ Donation
Dr. María del Sol García Ortegón, the first woman to perform a heart transplant in Mexico on July 11, 2017, shared a poignant reflection on the significance of organ donation. She emphasized that beyond the surgical procedure, the true heroes are the donors and their families who, in moments of profound grief, find the strength to say yes to donation.
Dr. García Ortegón underscored the collaborative effort involved in such complex procedures, stating that “when a donor appears, a race against time begins,” involving numerous healthcare professionals. She also highlighted that achieving such a high-complexity procedure was not just a personal milestone but a continuous struggle to empower other women to pursue their dreams, anticipating that “many more will come after this.”
Importance of Family Communication and Donor Card
Nadine Gazman, Secretary of Public Health, stressed the importance of not only registering with Cenatra but also downloading the donor card and, crucially, discussing one’s wishes with family members. This ensures that the donor’s will is known and respected, facilitating the donation process during difficult times.
The call for increased organ donation comes as Mexico City continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving healthcare outcomes through advanced medical procedures and public awareness campaigns. The city’s leadership in both voluntary donations and successful transplants serves as a beacon of hope for those awaiting life-saving procedures.
Source: https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2026/09/25/estados/en-cdmx-hay-tres-mil-personas-esperando-un-trasplante-de-organos-y-tejidos-clara-brugada
