Cabinet makes it patient-friendly, strict for trouts

Patients with renal failure and in need of a kidney transplant have more options now. The state cabinet, on Wednesday, amended the Organ Donation Act, making it more patient friendly but at the same time more stringent for the illegal trade of organs.

Patients with renal failure and in need of a kidney transplant have more options now.

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The state cabinet, on Wednesday, amended the Organ Donation Act, making it more patient friendly but at the same time more stringent for the illegal trade of organs.

Hindustan Times had reported on Wednesday on how an amendment was proposed to the State Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, as per the central government recommendations.

“The new amendment makes it possible for the second generation — grandparents and grandchildren to donate their kidney which was restricted to the first generation,” said Secretary, Medical Education, Milind Mhaiskar.

Till now, the patient’s spouse, son, daughter, father, mother, brother or sister could donate their kidney. “The amendment also makes penalties for those indulging in illegal organ trade more stringent,” Mhaiskar said.

The punishment for organ trading hospitals and medical practitioners, has increased from a minimum imprisonment of two years to anywhere between five and seven years, with a fine of ` 5 lakh upwards.

The proposed amendment says any surgeon can certify it, which makes the procedure simpler.