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Assam Health Minister Keshab Mahanta Orders Inquiry into Kidney Racket

State Health Minister Keshab Mahanta told the media that he had ordered an inquiry to ascertain if the Health Department had any role in the alleged kidney transplantation cases.

Sentinel Digital Desk

Published:15th Jul, 2021 at 2:23 AM

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: State Health Minister Keshab Mahanta told the media that he had ordered an inquiry to ascertain if the Health Department had any role in the alleged kidney transplantation cases.

Talking to the media, Mahanta said, "There is an Act that deals with the transplantation of human organs. The inquiry is to ascertain if the kidney transplantations are by the Act. It is the responsibility of the Health Department to ensure adherence to the Act. However, if there is criminality in transplantation, the police are to tackle it.

"If a person goes to another State from Assam to donate his kidney, he has to get a NOC (no-objection certificate) from the State Health Authority. However, the final authority lies with the State where organ transplantation takes place. To ascertain anomalies, if any, in issuing NOCs by the State Health authority, I've ordered the inquiry."

There are allegations of penury-driven people donating their kidneys through brokers in the Morigaon district. With time passing by, more such allegations keep coming from other districts as well. The Morigaon police are investigating the allegations.