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Chile · Coordinador Nacional de Trasplantes · MINSAL
Donating in Chile
Chile operates under Ley 19.451 of 1996. In June 2026 it completed its first quintuple paired kidney transplant, a historic procedure involving 5 institutions
The National Paired Kidney Donation Program is the 2024–2026 strategy to reignite the pace. 2024 rate: 8.5 pmp
Key figures for Chile
2026 Milestone
1° quintuple
paired kidney transplant in Chilean history
2024 Rate
8.5 pmp
national effective donation (MINSAL)
Lung 2024
28
all-time annual record
Arica
27 pmp
outstanding regional performance
Source: MINSAL · Coordinador Nacional de Trasplantes
The public system
How donation works in Chile
Governing body and law
The Coordinador Nacional de Trasplantes of the Ministry of Health (MINSAL) coordinates the Chilean system. Ley 19.451 of 1996 is the legal framework, with an express consent system for the donor: if the deceased left no record, the law establishes a family consultation order (spouse/partner, children over 18, parents, siblings, other relatives).
In practice, MINSAL officially states: "we are all donors at the time of death, unless during your lifetime you expressed otherwise" (December 2023). That is why it remains crucial that your family knows your wishes.
How to express your wishes
- 1
If you want to be a donor: the law presumes your positive intent. Record it on your identity card or in the National Registry
- 2
If you want to object: register your wish with the Civil Registry or directly with the Coordinador Nacional de Trasplantes
- 3
In both cases, share your decision with your family — family consultation remains decisive
- 4
The national system assigns the organ based on objective medical criteria (compatibility, urgency, time on waiting list)
Living donation
National Paired Kidney Donation Program
The flagship program for 2024–2026. It allows incompatible donor-recipient pairs to find an exchange with other pairs in the same situation
Donor requirements
- Over 18 years old, legal capacity
- Relatives up to 4th degree of consanguinity, spouse, partner
- Medically, psychologically, and socially suitable
- Non-related: requires a justified resolution from the local Ethics Committee
Coverage and protection
- FONASA coverage for the donor in the public system
- Accredited private clinics also cover the procedure
- Labor Code Art. 184: employment protection for 30 days post-donation
- Any financial compensation is prohibited
Main centers
5 public and private institutions that participated in the quintuple paired transplant of June 2026
Hospital del Salvador
Santiago · Leading center for kidney and liver transplant · Part of the National Paired Kidney Donation Program
Clínica Las Condes
Santiago · Multi-organ program · Consolidated Kidney Transplant Unit
Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile
Santiago · Academic kidney transplant program
Participants in the 2026 quintuple transplant
Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau · Hospital Sótero del Río · Hospital Grant Benavente (Concepción) · Clínica Santa María
Historic milestone
The first quintuple paired transplant
"The National Paired Kidney Donation Program is one of the most relevant strategies of the Ministry of Health to expand transplant opportunities with living donors in Chile" — MINSAL Chile, June 2026
In June 2026, Chile completed its first quintuple paired kidney transplant: 10 patients, 5 living donors, 5 institutions operating simultaneously (Hospital del Salvador, Hospital Sótero del Río, Hospital Barros Trudeau, Hospital Grant Benavente, Clínica Santa María). Marcos Alarcón was the first patient to receive the double transplant. It is the culmination of a program launched in 2024
Official coverage
TVN, Canal 13, and Mega covered the quintuple paired transplant on their news broadcasts
Learn about the paired program
If you are compatible with your recipient, the path is direct. If not, the National Paired Kidney Donation Program can connect you with other pairs in the same situation
Verified sources
This page summarizes public information from Chile's Coordinador Nacional de Trasplantes and Ley 19.451. Medical and legal decisions are yours and your healthcare team's