CHENNAI: A meeting organised by the State organ transplant authority saw the participants demanding a level playing field for all patients. A few though harped on prioritsation based on “how useful the person is for the community”.
“But officials were against that concept. Every person is important and useful for their families. All lives are precious,” one of the participants told Express.
To ensure that the organs were allotted strictly according to the date of enrolment of the patients in the registry, the participants suggested amendment to the current rules that allow priority to patients with multiple organ failure and those on ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). An official said private hospitals claim preference for their patients saying they are on ECMO. “But there might be patients with similar conditions on life support also,” said the official.
“So patients must get organs strictly as per the order of their enrolment in the registry. Also, patients who underwent a failed transplant must get enrolled afresh and come through the queue was another suggestion,” another participant told Express. The only case where the participants agreed on exemption was when the organ failed within 15 days of the transplant.
A few pointed to private hospitals performing organ transplant for foreign patients. “The preference must be for patients from the State, then to those from other states and then for foreigners,” said an official.
Sources said the suggestions would be submitted to the State government for consideration and implementation.