El Salvador has taken a major step toward strengthening its public health system by reforming the Law on Transplantation of Human Cells, Tissues, and Organs, with the goal of ensuring equal access to medical treatments and improving the national organ donation system.

The Legislative Assembly approved the reform on Monday with 56 votes in favor, introducing key changes aimed at optimizing procedures, expanding access to Salvadorans abroad, and updating terminology to reflect modern medical practices.

One of the most significant updates is that Salvadorans living outside the country are now eligible to benefit from the law. In addition, the Single Registry of Transplant Compatibility will now be known as the Single Registry for Transplants. Previously, transplant candidates had to be approved by the Salvadoran Transplant Council (CST), but under the new reform, hospital donation committees within the corresponding healthcare facilities will oversee the authorization process — streamlining and localizing decision-making.

The law also replaces the term “cadaveric donor” with “living or deceased donor” and reinforces the principles of voluntary, altruistic, and supportive donation. These updates seek to create a more inclusive and human-centered framework for saving lives.

“This procedure seeks to save lives, improve people’s lifestyles, and change their reality when illnesses strike, when diseases are chronic, and medications can no longer do so,” said David Cupido, legislator for the Nuevas Ideas party, during the session. He emphasized that the reform will have a particularly positive impact on kidney patients, who often rely on transplants when other treatments fail.

With this reform, El Salvador continues advancing toward a more equitable and efficient healthcare system, aligning with international best practices and placing human dignity at the center of medical care.