By IANS
Lahore : An illegal trade in kidney transplants continues unabated in this capital of Pakistani Punjab despite the enactment of a law banning the practice.
Some private health facilities in the city still continue with the activity, exposing the federal government’s tall claims that it had addressed the issue comprehensively after promulgating the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Ordinance four months ago, Dawn reported Wednesday.
The law provides for imprisonment of up to 10 years and also a fine of Pakistani Rs.1 million (about $16,474) for indulging in the sale and purchase of human organs.
The need for the ordinance has been felt since 1996 when a similar ban enacted in India saw foreigners rushing to Pakistan for kidney transplants.
“About $15,000 and $20,000 are usually charged from a foreigner for a kidney transplant and over Rs.500,000 from a local resident,” said a police officer, adding, the kidney mafia has been quite active in Punjab and its network could be dented only with the strict implementation of the law.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Tassaduq Husain has confirmed that four complaints had been received and were being probed.
“Since there has been no implementation of the law, illegal traders have resurfaced and are doing the business with impunity,” said Shahid Malik of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) in Lahore, urging the implementation of the ordinance in letter and spirit.
According to Malik, some “powerful elements” at the helm of affairs were causing “deliberate delays” in the implementation of the law.
According to the law, only recognised institutions and registered doctors can carry out transplants.
The government has formed a Human Organs and Tissues Ordinance Authority to grant recognition to hospitals for conducting transplants.
Any living donor, not less than 18 years of age, can voluntarily donate any organ or tissue to any other person genetically and legally related.
Any donor, not less than 18 years of age, may before his death, by a will in writing, can donate any organ or tissue for transplantation, the law says.
As for foreigners, they will have to bring a donor along if they want to undergo a kidney transplant in Pakistan, the law mandates.