China is taking steps to phase out organ donations from death-row inmates. Huang Jiefu, vice minister of the Ministry of Health, said Wednesday that the outdated practice would only lead organ transplantation in China to a dead end. Huang added that a national donation system would be promoted across the country from early next year and many government officials have expressed their willingness to register as donors.

Organ transplantation in China has long been criticized because executed prisoners have been the prime source of organs.

It was still regarded as violation of human rights as well as religious and cultural beliefs, despite China repeatedly stating that the rights of death-row prisoners have been respected and their written consent is asked for prior to donation.

Overhauling a transplant system that relies on condemned prisoners is a reflection of societal progress and serves those in need of transplants. Official statistics show that the waiting list has at least 1.5 million patients every year, while just 10,000 receive organ transplants.

The lack of available organs has created a thriving underground market. This problem also means that the rich or powerful often make their way to the front of the list, creating an ethical dilemma.

Given the fact that China is reducing the number of executions, establishing a nationwide fair organ donation system is a necessary step to benefit patients.

Encouraging volunteer organ donations is an ethical solution to the shortage of transplant organs and a common practice in many developed countries. Relying on death-row inmates for organ supply has brought China a lot of embarrassment. The country needs to act in line with international standards as a major power.

However, it's worth noting that the Western countries established sophisticated national organ donation systems after decades of efforts.

In China, the good-will program has been hindered by obstacles related to traditional thinking.

The Xinhua News Agency reported in December that the city of Nanjing has received "zero donations" since it was selected to implement a trial organ donation system in March, 2010.

Chinese have strong traditional beliefs that value the body as a whole. In addition, the public still lacks confidence regarding the protection of donors' rights, interests and dignity.

The fairness and transparency of the organ distribution system is also a concern. Establishing and promoting a nationwide organ donation system should be based on those concerns.

Getting rid of old practices and organizing an organ donation system are laudable goals and right for the times. These are steps that China has to take to become a respectable major power.