Kidney transplants banned at Max Health Hospital

HOTA says private medical facility failed to comply with regulations

ISLAMABAD:

The Administrator of the Human Organ Transplant Authority (HOTA) has stopped Max Health Hospital from kidney transplantation over failing to comply with the regulations governing organ transplantation.

The Administrator, Dr Fazal Moula has suspended all kidney transplant procedures at the hospital due to the hospital's lack of adherence to the rules regarding the formation of the Evaluation Committee. This suspension is deemed a serious violation of the HOTA Act of 2010, which clearly outlines the necessity of such committees to oversee transplant activities.

According to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Health (MoH), this suspension will remain effective until further notice. The HOTA Administrator had previously directed all 20 hospitals in Islamabad to establish Evaluation Committees by November 30.

Max Health Hospital's non-compliance with this directive has prompted immediate action to safeguard patient welfare and uphold medical integrity. In accordance with the Ministry of Health's directives, the HOTA Administrator has initiated the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate irregularities within the transplantation process.

This committee is tasked with examining the reported discrepancies and compiling a detailed report along with recommendations by December 13. The findings will serve as the basis for strict disciplinary measures against those found culpable.

Dr Fazal told The Express Tribune that there had been no head of HOTA for the last three years.

He said that Max Hospital located in Sector G8 Islamabad did not follow the rules and regulations for human organ transplantation, adding the suspension of transplantation has been done due to non-formation of the valuation committee under the law.

"Failure to follow the formation of the valuation committee according to the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 2010 is a serious violation."