IMPHAL, June 19: Keeping in mind the increasing number of people who needs kidney and cornea transplants and also for the convenience of the donors and the receivers, the ruling party MLA Dr Ng Bijoy Singh observed the need to amend the human organ transplant Act, 1994 in Manipur, during the Assembly sitting today.
The ruling MLA gave his observation during the discussion of demands for grants of Demand No 11-Medical, Heath & Family Welfare Department in Manipur Legislative Assembly today.
The MLA said that the human organ transplant act, 1994 was passed in the Indian Parliament in 1994. The then President of India gave his assent and it was adopted on March 25, 1999 in the Parliament, he said.
According to this act, there is provision that the donor should be a near relative of the receiver and the blood group also should be of the same group. However, the said act was amended in 2011 relaxing some of the provisions in regard to organ donation and transplant, the MLA maintained.
Lok Sabha gave its approval for the amendment of the Act on August 12, 2011 and Rajya Sabha on August 26, 2011, the MLA said.
The ruling MLA also mentioned that he has submitted a memorandum to the Director, Health Services on April 28, 2012 to adopt the said act in Manipur considering the number of people who needs organ transplant.
The MLA drew the attention of the members in the House to implement the said act.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Phungzathang Tonsing responding to the MLA’s observation said that it would not be an easy task however considering its importance the matter will be tabled in the state cabinet after a discussion with the law department.