President ratifies human organ transplantation law

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Human Organ Transplantation Bill, establishing a legal framework for organ transplantation in the Maldives.

The bill was ratified on Thursday after being passed by Parliament for a second time on 14 July.

Parliament first approved the bill on 14 May and sent it to the President for assent. It was returned for reconsideration on 31 May, after which amendments were made during the committee stage before the legislation was passed again.

The Act sets out the legal framework governing organ donation and transplantation, including the rights and responsibilities of donors and recipients, procedures for transplantation, regulatory requirements and penalties for offences related to illegal organ harvesting and trafficking.

Under the law, national policies on organ transplantation will be developed by an Organ Transplant Council appointed by the President.

Licensing and authorisation for organ transplantation services will be issued by an Organ Transplant Authorisation Committee established under the Act.

The legislation permits the transplantation of paired organs, where one organ can be donated while the other remains functional, as well as organs and tissues capable of regeneration.

It also prohibits the transplantation of ovaries and testicles.

The Human Organ Transplantation Act will come into force 180 days after its ratification.