Tamil Nadu Suspends Transplant Licences of Two Hospitals
The Tamil Nadu government has temporarily suspended kidney transplant licences of two private hospitals—one in Perambalur and one in Tiruchirappalli—following a probe into suspected illegal organ-selling activities.
Probe Reveals Alleged Kidney Trade
Health authorities launched a high-level investigation into reports that poor workers in Namakkal district were paid ₹5–10 lakh to sell their kidneys. The probe uncovered possible violations of India’s Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994. Based on these preliminary findings, licences were suspended under Section 16(2) in the public interest.
Hospitals Under Suspension
The affected facilities are Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College Hospital in Perambalur and Cethar Hospital in Tiruchirappalli. Teams led by state health officials inspected both hospitals and found evidence suggesting involvement in the racket, though formal roles of hospital staff remain to be examined.
Victims Speak Out
Several individuals who underwent kidney removal as donors came forward. One woman with two children described receiving ₹6.5 lakh to sell her kidney to cover debts. Such testimonies have heightened concern over exploitation of vulnerable groups.
Special Investigation Team Formed
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by S. Vineeth of the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project was set up. The SIT is gathering documents, verifying donor-recipient relationships, and tracing hospital links across the region. The inquiry spans multiple districts including Perambalur and Namakkal.
Political and Social Fallout
The suspension has drawn sharp political criticism. Opposition leaders accused the ruling party of failing to regulate medical ethics and allowing misconduct in healthcare. Questions were also raised about oversight by authorisation committees charged with verifying donor consent.
What Happens Next
The SIT continues investigating, and further action may include arrests, deeper audits, or extended suspension if evidence strengthens. The health department has warned that anyone involved in such wrongdoing will face legal consequences. The case highlights the urgent need to safeguard transplant ethics and protect vulnerable individuals.
