Date:05/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/05/stories/2008030555351400.htm

National

Plan to set up organ banks

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry is considering setting up organ banks on the lines of those set up in the United States and Europe where the needy can purchase organs. This would help in checking illegal organ trade, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil told the Lok Sabha here on Tuesday.

Responding to supplementaries on a question regarding the progress of investigations into the recently unearthed illegal kidney racket, he said eye banks already existed in the country and the details of organ banks were being worked out. According to the available information, at least 14 persons were arrested in connection with their alleged involvement in the racket.