First-ever meeting: HOTA recommends initiating donor programmes

ISLAMABAD: The Human Organs Transplant Authority (HOTA) on Tuesday recommended that organ donor programmes must be initiated while steps ought to be taken to stop the illegal transplant activities in the country were discussed.

The body, which held its first high-level meeting at the on Tuesday, discussed various aspects of preventing and stopping illegal human organ trade in the country.

The authority recommended that deceased donor programmes must be initiated which would help overcome the donor shortage.

State Minister for National Health Saira Afzal Tarar directed to strengthen the authority and increase punishments for those who are directly or indirectly involved in organ smuggling. She also suggested forming a National Organ Sharing Network.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2017.