Title: Requests to consider the release of doctors who are under prolonged detention and need to take steps to implement the Human Organ Transplant Act, 1994.
DR. SAROJA V.: Mr. Chairman, Sir, I raise this question consequent upon the
new items that appeared in The Hindustan Times on 3.6.98 and 4.6.98. This
dialysis is a very important life-saving procedure for the patients suffering
from end-stage kidney diseases. So, I would like to draw the attention of
this august House to it. This is the procedure which is adopted by the
nephrologists before the patients are taken up for kidney transplant. Though
this is an intermediate procedure, yet this is the procedure we adopt before
the transplant surgery is carried out. A news item has appeared that the
nephrologists are boycotting this dialysis. The Secretary of Delhi
Nephrologists Society has rightly pointed out that trading in human organs is
deplorable.
But it is equally condemnable to equate the doctors who save lives to criminals without even establishing a prima facie case. Today’s newspaper says that not only the private medical centres, but also the Government institutions are supporting this boycott because four doctors are under prolonged detention. I would like to make a request on behalf of the medicos. Will this Government consider the release of doctors who are under prolonged detention? Simultaneously, an inquiry may be initiated into this matter. Then, immediate steps should be taken to implement the Human Organ Transplant Act which was brought forward by the Government of India in the year 1994.
MR. CHAIRMAN : You may please pass on your request to the hon. Minister concerned. You need not read the whole thing.
DR. SAROJA V.: Sir, the main point is, this Act is not clear on the issue of unrelated donors. That is the problem which the doctors are facing now. So, I would request the hon. Minister to bring an amendment to regulate the issue of unrelated donors.