New Delhi, Aug 11: The Lok Sabha today approved an amended bill which seeks stringent punishment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs one crore for illegal human organ and tissue transplantation.
The Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha in 2009, was moved today by Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, for consideration and for passing the same with some amendments to make punishment tougher for violators of the Act.
“The Act is to regulate removal, storage and transplantation of human organs and tissues. This will also help those hundreds and thousands of people awaiting transplantation of their organs and provide them a fresh lease of life,” said the Minister.
Azad also pointed out that the amended legislation brings in stringent measures to check illegal trade of human organs and stop exploitation of the poor people.
More than 20 members participated in the discussion on the Bill and unanimously supported the changes brought in the legislation.
The Bill also seeks to regulate and include “human tissues” along with organs and makes it clear that human organs or tissues of mentally-challenged, mentally-retarded and mentally-ill persons shall not be removed before their death.
The proposed amendments in the Bill provide for tough measures like jail term of five years which may be extendable to ten years and fine of Rs 20 lakh extendable to Rs one crore for those indulging in illegal human transplantation. PTI
