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Dominican Republic · INCORT · National Health Service
Donating in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic regulates organ donation and transplantation through Law 329-98, with the Instituto Nacional de Coordinación de Trasplante (INCORT) as the governing body. The rate rose from 0.7 to 2.34 donors pmp, marking a historic milestone
In 2024, the country recorded its all-time high in donors, thanks to a network of 14 public hospitals leading organ identification and procurement nationwide
Key figures for the Dominican Republic
PMP Rate
2.34 pmp
donors per million (historic increase)
Growth
0.7 → 2.34
more than tripled its rate in recent years
Hospitals
14
leading public procurement centers
Waiting list
~500
patients awaiting a transplant (2025)
Source: INCORT · En Salud Digital · Diario Libre
The public system
How donation works in the Dominican Republic
Governing body and law
The Instituto Nacional de Coordinación de Trasplante (INCORT) is the governing body. Law 329-98 on Organ and Tissue Donation and Legacy is the current legal framework. The National Transplant Council (CNT) regulates the practice of donation, extraction, preservation, and exchange of organs.
INCORT together with the National Health Service (SNS), through 14 public hospitals, ensures the identification of potential donors and timely notification. The main challenge is family refusal, which hovers around 70%, so discussing your decision with your loved ones is decisive.
How to express your wishes
- 1
Learn about the donation process through INCORT and the SNS
- 2
Share your decision with your family — family refusal is the main obstacle (about 70%)
- 3
Donation has no cost for the donor or their family
- 4
INCORT assigns the organ based on objective medical criteria and Law 329-98
Living donation
Kidney transplant with living donor
Law 329-98 allows kidney transplant with an emotionally linked living donor. INCORT reports a steady increase in this type of transplant
Living donor requirements
- Age generally between 18 and 65 (case by case)
- Demonstrable emotional link with the recipient (Law 329-98)
- Comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation
- Approval from the corresponding ethics committee
Coverage and costs
- Organ donation has no cost for the donor or their family
- SISALRIL and the Social Security system cover partially or fully
- Procedures can exceed RD$1 million
- Any financial compensation for donation is prohibited
Main centers
Network of 14 public hospitals leading organ identification and procurement, coordinated by INCORT and the National Health Service (SNS)
Hospital Docente Universitario Dr. Salvador B. Gautier
Santo Domingo · National reference center for kidney transplant
CEDIMAT (Centro de Diagnóstico, Medicina Avanzada y Telemedicina)
Santo Domingo · Reference private center for transplants
Hospital General de la Plaza de la Salud
Santo Domingo · Public hospital, part of the SNS network
National network of 14 public hospitals
INCORT and the SNS ensure the identification of potential donors, timely notification, and coordination across the national territory
Historic milestone
2024: the record year for donors
"Thanks to these 14 hospitals, 2024 was the year that generated the most donors in the Dominican Republic" — Dr. Castillos, INCORT, August 2025
The Dominican Republic went from a rate of 0.7 donors pmp to 2.34 pmp, more than tripling its donation capacity. However, the ideal regional target is 20 to 25 donors pmp, and family refusal at 70% remains the main obstacle. More than 500 patients remain on the waiting list, most waiting for a kidney. The Senate Health Commission has been analyzing since May 2025 a modification to Law 329-98 to strengthen the system
Official information
INCORT and the National Health Service offer resources about the donation process
Talk to your family today
In the Dominican Republic, family refusal is the main obstacle. Your informed and shared decision can save lives. Learn about the system through INCORT
Verified sources
This page summarizes public information from INCORT, the National Health Service (SNS), and Law 329-98 of the Dominican Republic. Medical and legal decisions are yours and your healthcare team's