Gaining a kidney from an execution

Hundreds of kidney patients in Malaysia have travelled to China in the hope of a life-changing organ transplant - an operation made possible by the execution of a Chinese convict. One of these patients was Madame Yong, and she spoke to the BBC about her experience.

Why did you need the transplant?

I was having a lot of problems - feeling giddy and having excessive bleeding. My eldest daughter approached me, and said "Mum, why don't you have a transplant?"

Why was it not possible to get a transplant in Malaysia?

There are no organs. Of course, there are no live donors, unless you have a very close relative. And there is also no drive in Malaysia to encourage people to sign up in case of accidents.

There are so few that the waiting period for organs in Malaysia is 16 years.

How do you feel morally about receiving an organ from an executed Chinese prisoner?

I feel that it's okay, because they will be executed anyway. It's not that we inform them that we want an organ transplant, and then they execute. It doesn't work that way.

It's just that during festivals the Chinese will execute their prisoners. You find out that a certain number will be executed, and inform the doctors.

They test the prisoner's blood and tell you if it's compatible with yours. Initially they will just tell you if it's the same blood group.

Was it a difficult decision?

Yes it was very difficult, because it involves a lot of money. It's not just a lump sum for the operation, but it's also the monthly anti-rejection medication.

How difficult was it to arrange the trip?

It wasn't that easy. Usually people go through an agent, but mine was arranged by a friend. He helped me and told me how I could save money.

Has the transplant improved your life?

Yes definitely. I was very weak and dialysis is no joke at all.