FIA busts gang involved in illegal kidney transplants

WEB DESK: The Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department (SHC&MED) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have collaborated to apprehend a criminal syndicate engaged in illicit kidney transplantation activities.

During a press briefing held on Tuesday, Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique unveiled the successful operation, highlighting the concerted efforts of Punjab Human Organ Transplant Authority (PHOTA) and FIA in apprehending six members of the unlawful network responsible for illegal kidney transplants.

The apprehended individuals, identified as Cardiologist and Transplant Surgeon Dr. Tariq Rasheed, Dr. Abdul Hameed, Dr. Athar Shah, Chief Dialysis Technician Dr. Shahid Nawaz Bhatti, along with two donors, Muhammad Zulfikar and Muhammad Irfan, were found conducting unauthorised kidney transplant procedures within the premises of Badar Medical Complex.

Compelling evidence, including CCTV footage, corroborates the illicit activities carried out by the accused within the medical facility.

Minister Rafique lauded the collaborative efforts of PHOTA and FIA Lahore teams for their precise intervention against the organised racket involved in the unlawful kidney transplantation trade.

In recognition of their exemplary performance, Minister Rafique, accompanied by Director FIA Lahore Sarfaraz Ahmad Virk, presented certificates of commendation and monetary rewards to the diligent officers involved in the successful operation.

Legal proceedings have been initiated against the apprehended suspects, with ongoing efforts by the FIA Lahore team to apprehend any remaining accomplices.

Minister Rafique extended gratitude to the FIA Lahore team for their seamless cooperation with the Health Department in executing the operation.

Furthermore, PHOTA continues to adopt stringent measures to combat illegal organ transplantation activities across the province, emphasising the department’s unwavering commitment to uphold ethical medical practices.

The collaborative action between SHC&MED and FIA underscores the government’s resolute stance against organ trafficking and illegal medical procedures, reaffirming its dedication to safeguarding public health and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards within the healthcare sector.