Thursday, May 22, 2008 Bishop favors kidney transplants to 8 foreigners
A CATHOLIC prelate expressed no objection to the decision of the Philippine Board of Organ Donation and Transplantation (PBDOT) to allow the kidney transplants to eight foreigners, saying it was decided out of humanitarian reason.
"I was at the meeting of the board when this was decided. It was purely for humanitarian reason that they were given exemption," said Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros.
Oliveros, a member of PBDOT, said the board's decision was based on the recommendation made by the ethics committee.
He stressed that the ban is not absolute as foreigners are still allowed to have kidney transplant, if the donor is their relative.
On Monday, the Philippine Society of Neprhology (PSN) expressed their concern on the approval to conduct the transplant by writing a letter addressed to PBDOT head and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, asking for an explanation on its decision to allow kidney transplants to eight foreigners.
"While a humanitarian concern for the recipients is commendable, this must be matched with a humanitarian concern for the donors also. Did the PBODT make any recommendation also as to how the welfare of the donors will be protected and how it will be ensured that they are not victims of trafficking?" said PSN president Benita Padilla.
He pointed out that PBODT decision might send the wrong signal to other foreigners since it contradicts the government's order to totally ban the procedure on foreign nationals.
Last month, the health department ordered a total ban on kidney transplantation for foreign patients after it was revealed that foreigners are being prioritized over local patients.
About 10,000 to 12,500 Filipinos develop end stage renal disease (ESRD) annually with about 50-60 percent being kidney transplant candidates.
Of the number, less than 10 percent are given transplants because of insufficient supply and the failure of patients to raise money for the procedure. (FP/Sunnex)
