I don’t know what this means for the dispute between UNOS and Buckeye regarding Buckeye’s use of proprietary technology that UNOS believes violates their policy. But, it is probably moot at this point in time.
As I stated several times as we covered the dispute (here’s but one example), HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) was dismayed at the organ transplantation system that has been obtaining in the US. After all, there are more than 100,000 folks on the waiting list for organs, with 22 dying each and every day. (There were a record 42,887 transplants effected in 2002, but many more should have been completed.) HRSA announced their intention to revamp the system in March- and went to Congress to get authorization legislation to do just that.
There already had been a revamp (administrative change) effected in 2019, when the 56 nonprofits that are part of the UNOS network were instructed to meet performance benchmarks by 2026 or be barred from obtaining federal contracts and funds for the transplants.
During the hearings on this new bill, the Senate Finance Committee revealed that 70 folks died and 249 got sick because of errors in screening of organs- without UNOS holding system members accountable. Moreover, an astounding 21% of the kidneys collected for transplant never were used.
I am willing to bet that Buckeye Transplant will be among the first of the 56 nonprofits to bid on these new contracts.
Sounds like good news for those awaiting transplants.
Are you maximizing the profits from your business? Maybe you should consider a different structure for your business so you can do so.
Sounds like what is happening to UNOS is well-deserved. Were they able to get the bill passed? I hope so!
It’s awaiting Biden’s signature
Interesting! I will be watching these developments closely!
Thanks for alerting me to the news!
I am guessing it won’t be until April when these changes are complete
It would seem to me that kidney transplants would be the most needed and 21% of kidneys being unused is unacceptable.
Absolutley, Angie! We need to fix this.
That’s so sad to hear that people are dying while waiting for a transplant. Hopefully Buckeye can get things on the right track.
Somebody better, Martha!
More than 20% of kidneys were not transplanted because of politics, bureaucracy, non-compliances or sloppiness?
One would think that given how precious donated organs are, organizations would handle them with the utmost attention and the highest standard of care?
Congratulations on completing another round of UBC!
Thanks, Tamara. But, I post all year round, too.
21% of those kidneys not used? And people on transplant lists, like a long time friend’s sister, waiting and suffering? I don’t even have words. We have to get back on the right track with this.
That’s the real crime, Alana!