Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The Senate’s Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination (NHSRC) was informed on Thursday that elements involved in illegal organ transplants in Pakistan earned $2 billion annually.

The committee met under the chairmanship of Sajjad Hussain Turi.

Senator Muhammad Azam Khan Swati told committee members that he had documentary evidence and details with him to prove the extent of the illegal business. “These so-called doctors are being backed by some influential politicians and bureaucrats,” he said.

He said that heavy penalties should be imposed on people who were involved in such heinous crimes. All members endorsed Senator Swati’s stance.

Senator Khalida Perveen said that several doctors of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) were involved in sale of kidneys. “Doctors ask for Rs 1.3 million for a kidney transplant,” she said.

In response, Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) officials informed the committee that if the council found any doctor involved in such a practice, his/her license was cancelled.

Illegal practice by doctors also came under discussion at the committee. The committee approved the Healthcare Bill, presented by Senator Swati.

According to the bill, jail term for practicing without registering with PMDC will be increased from three years to 10 years. Beside this, they will have to pay Rs 0.3 million as fine.

The PMDC officials further informed the committee that only four percent people were willing to donate their organs. “In the US, this ratio is around 40 percent,” they said.

They said that when the council had initiated action against culprits involved in organ trade, many of them had fled abroad. “The PMDC is trying to trace them. They will be punished under the prescribed legal procedure,” they said.

Senator Swati also pointed out that the illegal medical institutions were functioning without official approval. He said the Institute of Modern Studies (IMS) was one such college.

“This institute has provided hundreds and thousands of diplomas and certificates. The authorities have not taken any notice,” he said. Senator Swati said that IMS was offering diplomas of 305 various disciplines at intermediate level, 365 at bachelors level and diplomas in 276 disciplines of post graduate level,” he said.

He said that such institutions harmed the repute of the entire educational system. He also claimed that the owners the educational institution had strong political ties. “Ministers and government officials attend the ceremonies of such colleges,” he said. He showed pictures of such ceremonies where federal ministers were present.

PMDC officials informed the committee that the council routinely published lists of recognised institutes.

However, committee members directed the PMDC to close down such campuses permanently and take action against their owners.