Mariano Rajoy highlights Spanish solidarity and leadership in organ donation and transplant

ONT, Madrid

After visiting the ONT headquarters, Mariano Rajoy praised the "extraordinary work" and professional nature of this body throughout its 25-year history, as well as the dedication and perseverance of its director, Rafael Matesanz. The President of the Government stressed that the ONT represents "the strength and effectiveness of large-scale shared objectives" and combines efforts from all the institutions that form the very backbone of the country.

"This collaborative spirit is another practical manifestation of the shared feeling of solidarity among Spaniards. One in four of all donated organs are transplanted in a different autonomous region to that where the donor is registered. And here, as is the case in all walks of life, unity is an asset", he said. "No autonomous region working alone could achieve results of a similar quality and quantity without the cooperation provided by the other autonomous regions and the National Health System as a whole", he added.

The President of the Government believes solidarity to be "the best expression of our identity as Spaniards" and means that, "for example, an Andalusian can live with a Catalan heart or a Galician can have a long life thanks to the generosity of someone from Madrid, and, so on and so forth in a never-ending virtuous circle, our country expresses a natural and normal fraternity that belongs to all Spaniards".

Spain's global leadership

Pool MoncloaMariano Rajoy said that the ONT, besides a source of great pride for the people of Spain, represents "a tool to help raise Spain's profile worldwide on a planet that now has no borders" and "a boost to our international reputation and an unrivalled ambassador of the values that we are associated with as a country of great principles and outstanding citizens".

The President of the Government recalled that Spain is the world leader in transplants and that the Spanish model has become an international benchmark. He went on to explain that Spain has held that position for 23 years with a rate of 35.3 donors per million people - double the EU figure - adding that 14% of all transplants in the European Union and 4% of the global total take place in Spain. "Once again, Spain is world leader in solidarity and scientific excellence", he said.

In order to maintain that leadership, Mariano Rajoy offered the support of all Spanish institutions to the ONT and said that investment in this field should be a priority as the economic recovery takes hold.