Bangladesh approves proposal on organ transplant donation

Dhaka July 18 (IANS) The Bangladeshi cabinet has approved a proposal to amend a law allowing more family members to become organ transplant donors.

A Cabinet Division official told Xinhua news agency on Tuesday that the proposal was approved in a cabinet meeting on Monday with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

The draft of the "Organ Transplantation Act (Amendment) 2017" approves of grandparents grandchildren and first cousins as potential donors.

The existing 1999 law allows only siblings children parents spouses and blood-related aunts and uncles to donate organs.

In line with the proposal the official said all the private hospitals will require to obtain prior approval for such procedures.

The Bangladeshi government moved to amend the 1999 law following a High Court order of 2011.

The draft law has a provision for three years of imprisonment or 1 million taka ($12 400) fine or both for violation of the law.

--IANS
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