National Transplant Programme Can Curb Commercialism: Experts

Renowned transplant surgeons, academicians and decision makers from across the globe here on Thursday said the countries need to develop national transplant programme based on ethical practices, transparency and well-being of the patients.

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2018 ) :Renowned transplant surgeons, academicians and decision makers from across the globe here on Thursday said the countries need to develop national transplant programme based on ethical practices, transparency and well-being of the patients.

Making their respective presentations at a day-long seminar "Update in Organ Transplantation" organised by Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) said concerted efforts are required to promote the cause of ethical practices in the field of medicine and surgery.

The event among others was also attended by Dr Nancy Ascher the past President of American Society of Transplant Surgeons, Dr Francis Delmonico from Harvard Medical school, Dr John Roberts who serves as professor of surgery at the Transplant Surgery Division of the US and Professor Adib Rizvi Director SIUT.

Dr Ascher, addressing the inaugural session of the event discussed in detail the global scene of organ transplantation programme including deceased organ donation in various parts of the world.

She called for mobilizing international, regional as well as national efforts to ensure that benefits of transplantation are extended to those who have reached end stages.

Dr Ascher pointed out that in many countries, mostly pertaining to the developing world, a shift was being registered from communicable to non-communicable diseases.

She lauded the services rendered by SIUT in developing a comprehensive network of specialized medical care.

Dr Delmonico, also a WHO Advisor on matters related to organ donation and transplantation presented a vision of world organization asking the governments all around the globe to chalk out a strategy of health care resources and its access to citizens.

He was of the view that national authorities need to regulate donation and transplantation activities by maximizing donation from deceased donors and appropriate health care on long term basis.

Dr John Roberts also traced the organ donation and transplantation programme and identified Croatian model which has increased to 61 percent in organ donation programme.

He stressed the importance of media and civil society in creating awareness of deceased organ donation programme.

Director SIUT, Prof Adib Rizvi in his welcome address highlighted the philosophy of the institute, being practiced successfully for last 47 years.

He said the philosophy of treating the patients free without any discrimination has been widely endorsed by society at large as a perfect model of health.

Prof Rizvi also recounted the struggle against commercialism and unethical practices of organ trade and transplantation.

He also highlighted the efforts and success of his team in establishing a successful transplant programme in the country.

The afternoon session was addressed by Dr Rehan Mohsin, Dr TahirAziz, Dr Nasir Luck and Dr Haider Mehdi of SIUT.