Authorities directed to probe organ trade

ISLAMABAD: Following detection of grave malpractices and irregularities, including suspicions of ‘unrelated’ kidney transplants involving illegal organ trade, federal health authorities have ‘officially’ asked the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) and the Human Organ Transplant Authority (HOTA) to launch a detailed investigation into organ trade by hospitals conducting transplants in Islamabad.

The scandal implicates two private hospitals — one in G-8 and another on Peshawar Road in Islamabad — allegedly involved in conducting illegal kidney transplants for substantial sums of money.

In a letter issued on Monday, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination (NHS,R&C) outlined specific actions for both IHRA and HOTA to tackle the issue. The IHRA was directed to conduct investigations into hospitals and laboratories implicated in malpractice related to illegal organ transplants.

“IHRA must collaborate with HOTA to ensure strict actions against those involved, in accordance with their respective laws. Prepare and issue a list of qualified laboratories registered with IHRA. Additionally, establish a mechanism to ensure legal verification of medical tests required for transplant applications, including tests for close relatives of both recipients and donors,” the ministry’s directives stated.

These measures aim to strengthen the regulatory framework, uphold ethical medical practices, and hold accountable those compromising public trust, a health ministry official said. For HOTA, the ministry directed that all hospitals in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) registered as transplant centers must nominate members for evaluation committees, as mandated by the Human Organ Transplant Act, 2010. These nominations must receive prior approval from HOTA and be notified by the federal government.

HOTA was further instructed to conduct an inquiry to identify those involved in the illegal approvals of 22 unrelated kidney transplant cases, with directives that a report be submitted within 15 days.

The health ministry also directed HOTA to develop a comprehensive plan to strengthen oversight mechanisms and prevent such malpractices in the future. According to health ministry officials, investigators have uncovered a deeply entrenched racket involving falsified medical reports and fraudulent documentation to facilitate unrelated kidney transplants.

The ministry confirmed that the case will be forwarded to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for a criminal probe to hold all culprits accountable. Health experts caution that unregulated organ transplants could lead to serious public health crises, including the spread of infectious diseases, complications from improper organ matching, and unethical exploitation of vulnerable populations. They have called for urgent reforms in transplant regulation and governance to dismantle illegal organ trade networks and restore trust in Pakistan’s healthcare system. As the investigation deepens, federal health authorities remain under scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability in tackling this alarming scandal.