Abu Dhabi, May 20: Doctors and other residents have welcomed the UAE Health Council’s approval of the laws governing organ transplant and most are confident that its abuse can be contained.
In many countries where transplants are legal organ trafficking is reported, and influential people have been found to be involved, but this is no cause for apprehension here, it is widely felt.
Residents are delighted that human organs will be available. Till now, due to absence of clarity in governing laws, people had to travel to foreign countries for transplants.
“This law was much-awaited as patients have to travel to foreign destinations in Eastern or Western countries to get organ transplants,” said Dr B.R. Shetty, CEO of the NMC Group. “This is a life-sustaining move for plenty of people in the UAE.”
Dr Shetty added, “We have experienced a dire need for liver, kidney and eye transplants. Now it can be performed here and help save hundreds of lives.”
He explained, “Many cases come to us after accidents on the road and in the construction field which require organ transplant but due to legal constraints it was not possible here.”
Abu Dhabi-based educational psychologist Dr Alka Kalra said, “It’s a fantastic law. A person cannot feel the kind of agony a family suffers in absence of an organ when family members need it. This is a bounty for many patients in the country. If another can live a new life… there is nothing better than that.”
Dr Kalra said, “Malpractice in human organ trading would not set in due to strict and efficient laws. I am very positive about it. You can’t live here if you don’t earn certain amount of money. It is not like other Asian countries where organs are sold for some money. It will not happen here.”
Medical technologist Percy Pilane, living in the capital for seven years, said, “It is a good thing and will save lives of many, giving them another chance and reason to survive in this world.”
He said the authorities concerned would be required to take stern action to curb trading of organs. Since organ transplant had been legalised here, one had to be vigilant against the kind of illegalities experienced in many countries.
Jon Spardi, a resident, said, “The law is helpful for others to live longer. This is something we should support. The import of organs to sell them to others should be carefully handled by the government authorities.”
–Agencies