Cops probe 'transplant tourism'

2003-12-05 21:43

Elsabé Brits

Cape Town - Desperate patients waiting for organs can pay up to $200 000 (about R12.6m) to a syndicate for an organ bought on the black market.

This includes the cost of transporting it and of medical expenses.

The growing industry, known as transplant tourism, is increasing worldwide.

People are travelling to China, India and Brazil, in particular, for organs that are often sold by the poor in these countries.

In China, the organs of executed prisoners are used in transplant operations, according to a statement by the sub-committee on international affairs in America's House of Representatives.

In South Africa, 10 people in desperate need of kidney transplants are sent home from hospital each week. Essentially, these people were sent home to die, read a statement from the South African Donor Association.

This week, it emerged that South Africa was linked to a transplant syndicate after three men were arrested in Durban for allegedly being involved in an illegal kidney transplant.

Three arrested in conncection with operation

One of those arrested was Israeli Agania Robel, who was the recipient of a new kidney.

He underwent his transplant at Durban's private St Augustine's Hospital.

Police have said, however, their investigation does not include the hospital.

Soon after Robel was arrested, Meir Shushan, who is claimed to be a middleman, handed himself over to police.

Both were freed on bail.

On Thursday, Roderick Frank Kimberley of Durban was also arrested. He was freed on R60 000 bail on Friday.

Adverts for organs abound on the internet. One site even professes to be able to supply a patient with a new kidney within seven days.

Another website states it is illegal to sell organs. Because of this, it says its donors give organs out of the goodness of their hearts.

These donors are not paid for their organs, but are renumerated for the time off work.

South Africa has 5 000 critically ill patients waiting for various organs while 35 000 others are waiting for organs like corneas and heartvalves.

- Die Burger