Woman to High Court: Strike down government order, allow organ-donation
A 48-year-old woman has appealed to the Karnataka High Court to strike down a government order that is preventing her from donating one of her kidneys to a family friend. The government letter dated April 10 was sent to several private hospitals asking to put her transplant process on hold. Notably, the woman's sister, an IAS officer, had requested for the same. Here's more.
The letter stated family nod required, woman scoffs
The letter from health and family welfare department, sent on behest of a Maharashtra principal secretary, read that she hasn't taken her family's permission "which is mandatory as per Rule 7 (3) (ix) of the Rules 2014." However, the Rajasthan-based woman, Varsha Sharma, said she doesn't need that, as she is qualified for organ donation. She has lost 14kgs and undergone numerous tests since October-2017.
But, is family nod mandatory for organ donation?
Reports suggest that family nod isn't mandatory for organ donation and in this case, the IAS sister has allegedly misused her clout to solve a family problem. Now, acting on Varsha's appeal, the HC on May 10, ordered the state authorization panel to take a decision on the matter in 24 hours, after the Hebbal-based private hospital, Columbia Asia files an application.
Doing out of respect for Armed Forces, says Varsha
The recipient, a defense officer, has been suffering from chronic kidney failure since August 2017 and is on dialysis since. Varsha emphasized that the recipient is like a brother to her, and that she has immense respect for defense personnel. In fact, she has mentioned in her will that after her death, her properties should be donated to the Army Wives Welfare Association.
