Yasmeen Rashid directs for crackdown against illegal organ transplantation

LAHORE: Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid has directed for the province-wide crackdown against illegal organ transplantation, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

Chairing a meeting of the Punjab Human Organs Transplantation Authority here in Lahore, today, the minister directed the concerned official to launch switch action against the people involved in this business.

“Strict action should be taken against involved elements”, the minister continued.

Last year, the Supreme Court of Pakistan had directed authorities concerned to immediately comply with all its directives, included in a report, aimed at curbing illegal organ transplantation, and promoting deceased organ donation in the country.

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A statement issued by the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) had said that an SC bench comprising the then chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar, Justice Umar Ata Bandial and Justice Ijazul Ahsan directed the authorities to implement the report in letter and spirit which was finalised at a conference held earlier at the SIUT on the directive of the CJP.

It further asked print and electronic media to play their role in creating awareness among masses about organ donation.

On the legal front, lawyers were asked to take appropriate steps in legislation. The law enforcing agencies were also asked to keep vigilance with regard to those violating the law.