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Colombia · INS · National Donation and Transplant Network
Donate in Colombia
Colombia operates under Ley 1805 of 2016, which establishes the legal presumption of donation: every person is a donor upon death, unless they have expressed otherwise during their lifetime
In 2025, 1,361 transplants were performed. 4,123 people are waiting for an organ, of whom 3,328 are waiting for a kidney (February 2026)
Key figures for Colombia
Transplants 2025
1,361
of organs (INS, closing February 2026)
Active list
4,123
people waiting (3,328 for kidney)
Rate 2024
7.4 pmp
effective donation; 2025 estimate: 8.0 pmp
Donors 2025
400
+ 1,335 transplants + 10,000+ tissues
Source: INS Colombia · Consultor Salud
The public system
How donation works in Colombia
Governing body and law
The Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS), through the Coordinación Nacional de la Red de Donación y Trasplantes, coordinates the Colombian network. Ley 1805 of 2016 and Decreto 2493 of 2004 form the legal framework. The law introduces the legal presumption of donation: every person is a donor upon brain death, unless they have expressly stated otherwise during their lifetime.
The family must be informed and any objection must be documented. That is why it remains essential that your family knows your wishes.
What the law says exactly
- 1
All Colombians are donors at the time of death, unless they have expressed their opposition during their lifetime
- 2
If you want to object: register it with the INS or through your EPS
- 3
Healthcare institutions (IPS) are required to notify the INS of a potential donor
- 4
Distribution is governed by objective medical criteria: compatibility, urgency, time on the waiting list
Living donation
Living kidney and liver donation
The INS's "Educación desde la cuna" (Education from the Cradle) program aims to discuss the topic starting with the family. Living donation is well established
Donor requirements
- Over 18 years of age, legal capacity
- Kinship up to 4th degree of consanguinity or 2nd degree civil, spouse, permanent partner
- Medically, psychologically, and socially suitable
- Non-related: requires INS authorization and compatibility resolution
Coverage and protection
- Coverage through EPS; comprehensive pre- and post-donation care
- EPS and ARL cover disability leave
- Regulatory protection equivalent to other countries in the region
- Any financial compensation is prohibited
Main centers
Hospitals with high-complexity programs and years of experience in Colombia
Fundación Cardioinfantil — LaCardio
Bogotá · Established kidney, liver, and heart transplant program · 20 years of activity
Hospital San Vicente Fundación
Rionegro, Antioquia, and Medellín · Liver and kidney transplant program
Fundación Valle del Lili
Cali · High-complexity center
Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá
Bogotá · University hospital with an accredited donation and transplant program
Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe
Medellín · Reference center in Antioquia
Institutional testimony
The power of family conversation
"When a person has expressed their wish to donate, the likelihood that the family will respect it increases by up to 90%. Encouraging conversations at home about this topic is a powerful tool to reduce family refusals" — Colombiana de Trasplantes SAS, January 2026
The Conferencia Episcopal de Colombia (2017) officially endorsed donation: "Donating an organ does not contradict Catholic doctrine… it is pro-life and an act of charity and love toward those who need an organ" — Monseñor Juan Vicente Córdoba Villota. The "Educación desde la cuna" program (INS + Ministry of Education) aims to introduce the topic in families from an early age
Official material
The INS publishes periodic reports and campaign materials
Talk to your family
In Colombia, the law presumes your wish to donate. But the best way to ensure it is to talk about it with those around you. You can also explore the stories of people who have gone through the process
Verified sources
This page summarizes public information from INS Colombia and Ley 1805 of 2016. Medical and legal decisions are yours and your healthcare team's