Staff Reporter
The Punjab Human Organ Transplant Authority (PHOTA) released its two years performance report here.
According to Director General PHOTA, the authority has conducted 920 liver and kidney transplants in the last two years.
He said overall 97 bone marrow transplants and 512 Cornea Transplants were performed in the last two years. As many as 21 public and private hospitals are performing transplants in Punjab.
He said the PHOTA is being developed on modern lines as per vision of the Minister for Health Punjab, Dr. Yasmin Rashid. Dr. Murtaza said that 52 transplant surgeons have been registered in the province and groups involved in illegal trade of human organs are being dealt with iron hands.
Only last month, two persons were sentenced on action by PHOTA and proceedings are underway against 26 persons, he added.
He said that Authority has taken action against agents, facilitators and doctors involved in illegal trade of organs.
Dr. Murtaza further said that the sub offices have been set up in Multan Rawalpindi and Faisalabad. He said Organ Procurement Cell has been set up at General Hospital and recently the PHOTA has signed an agreement for verification of donors.
Punjab health Minister said that after the promulgation of Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Act, the system will be streamlined. She said after the promulgation of the Act, the culprits shall face serious punishment.
She said donors could be registered for organ donation after the Act. The Minister also said periodic review of performance is also being regularly taken.
