Streamlining: Organ transplant authority forms committees

LAHORE: The Punjab Human Organs Transplantation Authority approved the formation of different committees including those for human resource, procurement, finance and advisory.

The committees were formed during a meeting under the chairmanship of Punjab Minister for Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Khawaja Salman Rafique at the Civil Secretariat on Thursday.

Secretary Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Najam Ahamad Shah, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute President Professor Saeed Akhtar, Special Secretary for Health Dr Sajid Chohan, KEMU Vice Chancellor and PHOTA Administrator Professor Faisal attended the meeting among others.

Professor Saeed Akhtar stressed on the need for a massive awareness campaign over the donation of human organs. He said religious scholars, social activists, intellectuals, writers, and the media can play a pivotal role in creating awareness.

Khawaja Salam Rafique said legislation and rules and regulations would be framed, if needed, to ensure the smooth running of PHOTA. While agreeing to the recommendations of Professor Saeed Akhtar over brain death laws, Secretary for Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Najam Ahmad Shah observed legislation should be created. Rafique ordered the committees to start work immediately and take prompt decisions.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2016.