APP
PESHAWAR
The 7th Meeting of Medical Transplantation Regulatory Authority (MTRA) was held under chairmanship of Health Advisor Ihtesham Ali on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by Health Secretary Shahidullah, MTRA officials, and other members of the Authority.
During the session, participants were briefed on various agenda items. A thorough review was conducted on measures to simplify and streamline the process of human organ transplantation, making it more accessible and understandable to the public.
One of the key discussion points was whether to make family donor consent mandatory or to develop clear protocols for non-family donors. A proposal to form a dedicated committee to address these matters was also presented.
Advisor to Health, Ihtesham Ali, tasked MTRA with proposing legal amendments to strengthen the prevention of illegal human organ trafficking. He was informed that the authority is currently investigating 12 cases of unlawful transplants in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The Health Advisor directed the formation of a committee to review all existing health laws and regulations. This committee will identify legal gaps and propose necessary amendments to improve the regulatory framework.
He also emphasized the role of religious scholars and clerics in raising awareness about organ donation within communities.
Discussions were also held regarding the establishment of the province’s first-ever Transplant Tower. It was informed that funds have already been released to Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH), where the project is progressing swiftly.
Currently, a designated space is being prepared within KTH for transplant services. Eventually, a dedicated Transplant Tower will be constructed to facilitate all types of organ transplant procedures under one roof.
The meeting also reviewed MTRA’s administrative challenges, budgetary allocations, and other operational matters, with the aim of enhancing the Authority’s efficiency and outreach program.
