NATIONAL TRANSPLANTATION ACT TO CURB ILLEGAL ORGAN SALES

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry has proposed to draft a
new law on organ donation and transplant to curb illegal sales of organs said
Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai Sunday.

The National Transplantation Act which is still in the early stages would cover
a wide area, including aspects like Human trafficking, organ donation,
counseling, place of organ transfer and other relevant areas.

"Currently there is no specific act to govern organ donation or organ
transplant...there are some who overseas for organ donation and transplant.

"We do not know whether it is healthy process or not, sometimes there are
non-healthy organs donated...and the patient comes back with an unhealthy
organ," he told reporters after launching the National Organ Donation Awareness
Week here Sunday.

"We must ensure that the organ donor is genuine and not donating organs for
other benefits or to get money. We must be careful with the issue of selling
organs in the country."

Liow said there has been no reports of illegal organ sales and though there have
been cases of human trafficking, they were not related to sales of organs.

He said awareness among organ donors in the country has increased in the first
nine months as 300 donors have registered.

However, there should be more awareness campaigns and organ donation drives to
encourage more people to be aware of organ donation.

Those interested can surf the www.agiftoflife.gov.my website for more information.