In a recent development, the National Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organisation (NOTTO), a part of the Union health ministry, has launched an investigation into claims of a cash-for-kidney scam involving Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, according to official sources.
Indraprastha Medical Corporation Ltd (IMCL), which is part of the Apollo Hospitals group, countered these allegations on Monday, asserting its commitment to all legal and ethical standards governing transplants, including guidelines set by the government.
In response to the accusations, a spokesperson for IMCL explained that every foreign donor is required to provide certification from their respective governments, confirming the relationship between the donor and recipient before the transplant proceeds. The IMCL stressed its compliance with both government regulations and its own internal processes, going beyond the specified compliance requirements.
NOTTO, operating through the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO), has instructed an inquiry into the matter. The spokesperson for IMCL detailed the hospital’s rigorous process for kidney transplants, which includes the submission of a notarized Form 21 by the donor, certified by the foreign government.
The hospital’s transplant authorization committee thoroughly reviews documents for each case, conducts interviews, and re-validates documents with the relevant embassy.
IMCL, dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical standards, highlighted its extensive measures, such as genetic testing and multiple medical tests, which exceed compliance requirements. The hospital reiterated its commitment to delivering healthcare with utmost integrity and adherence to legal and ethical standards.