Medical tourism affecting organ transplantation in India-The flipside of medical tourism

Source: The post medical tourism affecting organ transplantation in India has been created on the article “The flipside of medical tourism — organ transplant rackets” published in “Indian express” on 16th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- governance- Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.

News: The article discusses the complexities of organ transplantation in India. The article also explores the growth of medical tourism and the ethical dilemmas it presents, particularly in distinguishing between voluntary and paid organ donations.

Background

India ranks third globally in performing organ transplants.

In 2022, organs from deceased donors contributed to approximately 17.8% of all transplants.

According to the data from the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), approximately 6,97,453 medical tourists visited India in 2019 alone for medical treatment. By 2023, India is expected to account for 6% of the global MVT market share.

The 1994 Transplantation of Human Organs Act in India governs organ removal, storage, transplantation for therapy, and prohibits commercial organ trade.

What are the positive aspects of organ transplantation in India?

Spontaneous Donations: There are uplifting stories of Indians spontaneously donating organs of family members who passed away, to strangers without expecting anything in return.

Scientific Breakthroughs: India has witnessed significant advancements in the field of organ transplantation, contributing to better success rates and treatment options.

Growth of Medical Tourism: The expansion of transplantation in the private sector has led to a boom in medical tourism. It has made advanced transplant services available to a broader range of patients, both domestic and international.

How is medical tourism affecting organ transplantation in India?

Benefits:
Growth in Private Healthcare: The expansion of the private healthcare sector in India has significantly boosted organ transplantation facilities, attracting medical tourists.

Affordability for Foreigners: Compared to global standards, transplantation in India is relatively affordable, drawing patients from South Asia, Central Asia, and Africa.

Revenue Generation: Medical tourism in transplantation has become a major source of income for private hospitals in India.

Concerns:

Challenges in Follow-up Care: Post-transplant care, crucial for both donors and recipients, becomes complicated when patients return to their home countries.

Organ Trade Scandals: There have been reports of vulnerable people, like street children from Nepal, being exploited for organ donations. These illegal activities often require the collusion of medical professionals, violating ethical standards and medical oaths.

Impact on Domestic Access: While beneficial for foreigners, the high cost of transplants continues to be a barrier for many ordinary Indians, creating a dichotomy in access to healthcare services.

Difficulty in Regulation: Ensuring ethical practices in organ donations is challenging, especially with foreign patients, as monitoring and verifying voluntary donations is complex.

What should be done?

Establish clearer guidelines and oversight mechanisms to monitor organ transplants involving foreign nationals, ensuring they are ethical and voluntary.

Enhance Public Trust– Address public concerns about organ donation, particularly in light of reported scandals, to encourage more people to donate organs altruistically.

Promoting organ donation after death is seen as a key solution.

Make efforts to ensure that organ transplantation is accessible and affordable for ordinary Indians, not just foreign patients.

For information on organ transplant rules read here

Question for practice:

Examine the impact of medical tourism on organ transplantation in India.