Latest news with #PHOTA
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Illegal kidney transplantation network busted
A transplantation racket operating in Sheikhupura has been dismantled by the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority (PHOTA) in collaboration with police and other law enforcement agencies. A raid was conducted at a hospital located on Faisalabad Road, where a PHOTA vigilance team apprehended eight individuals red-handed while performing an illegal kidney transplant procedure. Among the arrested is Dr Waqas Mustafa, the prime suspect, along with two women, operation theatre technicians, agents and support staff. The illegal transplant procedure was being carried out on a recipient belonging to Africa, while the donor, a resident of Sheikhupura, was being exploited without any financial compensation. According to initial investigations, the gang had charged Rs7 million from the recipient for the illegal transplant. Officials said the group was involved in the buying and selling of human organs, targeting vulnerable individuals from impoverished backgrounds, often misleading or coercing them into selling their kidneys. PHOTA officials said efforts were ongoing to apprehend Naseem, an alleged fake doctor linked to the gang. Raids were conducted in Sheikhupura and other cities to arrest facilitators and dismantle the broader network involved in the criminal activity. "Punjab has witnessed a surge in cases of illegal organ transplantation despite strict regulations under the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Act 2010, which prohibits commercial organ trade and makes mandatory stringent licensing of transplantation facilities," a health official said.
Business Recorder
25-07-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Action being taken against illegal organ trade: Punjab health minister
LAHORE: As per vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the capacity of the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority is being increased and strict action is being taken against illegal transplantation of human organs in Punjab. Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said this while addressing the 35th meeting of the Monitoring Authority of the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority. The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Operations Tariq Mehmood Rahmani, Additional Secretary Technical Dr Muhammad Waseem, Director General PHOTA Professor Muhammad Aamir Zaman Khan, Professor Izhar Chaudhry from the Pakistan Medical Association, CEO Punjab Health Initiative Management Company Dr Ali Razzaq, officers from the Revenue Department, Home Department and other departments as members. CEO Punjab Healthcare Commission Dr Muhammad Saqib Aziz, Dean Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute Professor Faisal Saud Dar and Yasir Khan from the Transplantation Society participated in the meeting through video link. Director General PHOTA Professor Muhammad Aamir Zaman Khan presented various agendas for approval during the meeting. An implementation report of the decisions of the 34th meeting of the Monitoring Authority was also presented during the meeting. During the meeting, approval was also accorded to register various government and private hospitals for kidney, liver and cornea transplantation. The approval was given to renew the registration of Begum Akhtar Rukhsana Memorial Trust Orchard Hospital for liver transplantation, while Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Independent University Hospital Faisalabad and Madina Teaching Hospital Faisalabad gets nod for corneal transplantation for the next three years. During the meeting, approval was given to renew the registration of City Hospital Multan, PKLI and Research Center Lahore, National Hospital and Medical Center Lahore and Adil Hospital Lahore for renal transplantation for the next three years. The meeting approved the budget estimate of the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority for the financial year 2025-26 and the revised budget estimate for the financial year 2024-25. The meeting also accorded approval to organize a 5-day training workshop on the topic of Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Essentials for PHOTA. During the meeting, approval was given to conduct bone banking and transplantation, pancreas transplantation in Punjab. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
24-02-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Punjab's first comprehensive transplant programme launched
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the 'Chief Minister Punjab Transplant Program', the most comprehensive transplant initiative in Pakistan's history. Under this program, deserving patients will receive free-of-cost transplant surgeries for five major organ transplants: liver, kidney, bone marrow, cornea and cochlear implants for children born with hearing impairments. For the first time in Punjab, both government and private hospitals will provide transplant facilities under this initiative. Eligible patients can register with the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority (PHOTA) to avail of the services. A toll-free helpline (09009 0800) has also been set up for information and assistance. Speaking at the launch, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the government's commitment to providing quality healthcare to all citizens. "The state is aware of every citizen's needs, and we will fulfill our duty. Transplantation is a complex and expensive process that an ordinary person cannot afford. Now, the government will bear this responsibility," she stated. Highlighting the significance of cochlear implants, she added, "After restoring hearing through these implants, children will be able to live a normal life." She further assured, "The government will cover the cost of liver and kidney transplants, ensuring that patients face no financial burden. Corneal transplants will also enable visually impaired individuals to regain their sight and lead a normal life."
