Organ Transplant Bill: Kudoo expresses concern over delays despite long waiting lists and major hospitals being ready
Member of Parliament Mohamed Ibrahim has expressed concern over the delays in processing the organ transplant bill, noting that the legislative stalemate is posing significant challenges for numerous patients in need of life-saving treatment. Highlighting that major hospitals in the Maldives are already equipped to provide these services, he urged for the expedited passage of the bill, as the lack of a legal framework currently prevents the commencement of procedures. This proposed legislation specifically aims to establish the regulatory standards for organ donations from living donors.
The Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs reviews the Human Organ Transplant Bill. | Majlis | People's Majlis
Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo), the MDP Member of Parliament for the North Galolhu constituency, has expressed concern over the delays in processing the Organ Transplant Bill.
The Parliament's Social Affairs Committee is currently reviewing the bill, which was introduced on behalf of the government by Ibrahim Didi, the Member of Parliament for the Feydhoo South constituency.
The committee held a meeting on Monday to deliberate on the bill. During the session, Kudu expressed concern over the slow progress of the legislation, noting that the bill was originally submitted to Parliament in October 2025 and was referred to the committee during the same month.
In this regard, Kudoo stated that there are currently many individuals in the Maldives in need of organ transplants, particularly kidney transplants. He noted that while many previously traveled to India for these procedures, it has now become increasingly difficult to facilitate them there. Furthermore, kidney transplants are currently not being performed in Sri Lanka at all, leading some patients to seek treatment in Turkey instead.
However, the Member emphasized that this is not a permanent solution, noting that many people in the Maldives are currently on waiting lists for transplants. While major hospitals are prepared to provide these services, the Member stated that the only remaining obstacle is the lack of progress on this bill.
Initially, Maldivians seeking kidney transplants primarily traveled to India. However, undergoing the procedure there has become increasingly difficult. Subsequently, patients turned to Sri Lanka, but it is now completely impossible to perform transplants there. We are currently looking toward Turkey, where some individuals have already successfully undergone the procedure. In the Maldives, Tree Top Hospital, ADK Hospital, and IGMH are all prepared to facilitate these transplants. The only remaining hurdle is the passage of this bill to enable the process to move forward.Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo), the MDP Member of Parliament for the North Galolhu constituency.
Kudoo stated that a subcommittee, consisting of members currently working on the bill, must be formed to expedite the process. He further emphasized the urgency of completing the bill as soon as possible, noting that it is a matter of significant public interest.
According to the bill, once authorization for organ transplantation is granted, the Quality Controller—appointed under the Health Services Act—will be responsible for monitoring these facilities to ensure they maintain the required standards. The legislation exclusively permits organ transplants from living donors.
The criteria for organ donors have also been specified. These requirements include being at least 18 years of age, consenting to the donation of one's own free will, and being of sound mind.
