Hats off to my cousin, Michel Camilleri, for kick-starting a public petition (September 12) for the introduction of an opt-out organ donation system, which had great success in Austria, Belgium, France, Sweden and other developed countries (besides also being introduced in the UK) where the severe scarcity of human organs was overcome, practically overnight.

The government need not, however, be hesitant in this matter. On the contrary, it should wholeheartedly embrace and urgently legislate for the introduction of the scheme to avoid so much unnecessary suffering, avoidable loss of life and, in the process, make substantial savings on otherwise very inconvenient, costly, long-term treatment for so many patients.

More so, when, for once, an important national and apolitical issue that has just been thrust to the fore will serve to unite rather than divide us.

Surely, everyone is aware that no one (politicians included) is immune to requiring possible organ replacement at some stage in life. We would all be guilty by default for almost certain perpetual organ unavailability if we continue to opt for irresponsible inaction.

Together we can create a truly national endless supply chain of healthy organs by, at least, agreeing to be charitable in death rather than wilfully allow our no longer required organs to go to waste.

Who can tell whose lives will, not might, be saved (including our own) if we act now? We all stand to gain if we are responsible and resolute, so let us prise our national charitable instinct wide open by doing our bit and signing the online petition, which only takes a minute to complete, and spur the government into dealing with this matter expeditiously. Our collective voice will surely be heard.

If you agree, please click here to sign the online petition.

Through our inevitable demise, may we all willingly and generously gift life.