KARACHI, SEP 05 (DNA) – The year of 2020 has marked the completion of ten years of promulgation of ethical transplantation law in the country which was designed to serve as a deterrent in curbing the unlawful and unfair practices of organ trade.

The law which was bipartisan with cooperation of all parliamentarians was accented by the then President Asif Ali Zardari in at a ceremony held at Presidency in Islamabad in 2010.

This ceremony was followed by another ceremony held in Karachi which was attended by the visiting representatives from International Transplantation Society Prof Francis Delmonico and Dr Noel of WHO.

While signing the legislation President Zardari perhaps became the first head of state who supported organ donation and pledged his organs after death by signing his donor card.

Tracing the history of illegal organ transplant in the country it is found that before the law was promulgated 1500 illegal unrelated donor transplants were taking place every year.

Pakistan had gained notoriety as the world’s largest “Kidney Bazar” greatly tarnishing the image of the country. Poor kiln workers and farm helpers were main victims as they were duped into selling their kidneys for a paltry sum of Rs one lac while the hospitals and unscrupulous doctors made millions from foreigners paying up to 30,000 US dollars.

The law significantly reduced the illegal unrelated transplantation particularly for foreigners. Moreover, the law enforcing agencies became more vigilant and got involved in prosecuting offending doctors and technical staff who were put behind bars. The process of speedy justice helped in the control of illegal transplant activity.

The Transplantation Society of Pakistan and SIUT both played a pivotal role in highlighting the plight of poor kidney donors involving the media and society at large. Both the organizations were also instrumental in providing advice and guidance on the law to legislators.

SIUT being the largest transplant centre has performed 6201 renal transplants from family donors totally free and without hurting the dignity of donor and recipient. = DNA

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