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Visakhapatnam , Dec. 5

ALMOST 75 per cent of the kidney transplant operations in the country are illegal, as the existing laws are unrealistic, says Dr K.S Chugh, pioneering nephrologist widely regarded as the father of nephrology in the country.

Dr Chugh, who was here to participate in the three-day national conference of nephrologists from December 4, was addressing a press meet along with Dr Brian J.G Periera, President of the National Kidney Foundation in the US.

Dr Chugh said the Human Organ Transplantation Act, 1994, permitted the donation of kidneys only among close blood relations.

"Of course, this was done to prevent trafficking in, or sale of, kidneys but I feel the scope of donation has to be expanded allowing those other than blood relations to donate kidneys. At present, almost 75 per cent of the kidney transplantations are illegal. Roughly, the number of operations taking place every year is less than 5,000," he said.

The laws need to be amended to pave the way for easier organ donation without, however, allowing trafficking, he added.

Drawing a comparison with the US, Dr Periera said three lakh patients in the US were undergoing dialysis every year out of a population of 25 crore in comparison with 20,000 in India out of a population of 100 crores.

"As many as 12 lakh people are suffering from kidney diseases in India and the infrastructure for kidney transplantation is not there. The Government should build up the facilities," said both the experts.

The conference of nephrologists was formally inaugurated by the State Health Minister, Mr K. Sivaprasada Rao, on Friday.

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