The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Rajasthan): In response to allegations surrounding the issuance of fake No Objection Certificates (NOC) for organ transplants, the Rajasthan government has taken decisive action by forming a five-member committee to thoroughly investigate these claims. The formation of the committee follows the arrest of three individuals by the Anti-Corruption Bureau for accepting bribes in exchange for these NOCs, highlighting a significant breach in the ethical and legal framework governing organ transplants.
Headed by the Medical Education Commissioner, the committee has been charged with the task of delving into the details of this malpractice and is expected to deliver its findings within a 15-day timeframe. The state government’s prompt formation of this investigative body underscores the seriousness with which it views the allegations, reflecting a commitment to maintaining integrity in medical procedures and safeguarding patient rights.
Additional Chief Secretary (Medical Education) Shubhra Singh noted that the committee is currently probing the issuance of counterfeit NOCs for organ transplantation. Furthermore, an inspection team directed by the Public Health Director will conduct a comprehensive review of the records of all private hospitals registered for human organ transplantation to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
In addition to identifying the culprits involved in this corrupt practice, the committee is tasked with formulating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for monitoring live transplants. It will also propose enhancements to the NOC issuance process to prevent future occurrences of fraud.
This investigation was spurred by a recent incident where staff members of the government-run Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Hospital and intermediaries were apprehended in the act of soliciting a bribe for an NOC, as reported by Ravi, Deputy Inspector General of Police (ACB). The arrested individuals included a government officer from SMS Hospital and organ transplant coordinators from EHCC and Fortis Hospitals, indicating a network of corruption extending across multiple medical institutions.
As the committee embarks on its investigation, the Rajasthan government’s actions represent a crucial step toward addressing malpractices in the healthcare sector, particularly in the sensitive area of organ transplants. The outcomes of this inquiry will likely have far-reaching implications for the regulation and oversight of organ transplantation procedures in the state.