Monday, October 17, 2011

No more free drugs for those seeking organ transplant abroad without approval

BANGI: The government will stop prescribing free immunosuppressive drugs to Malaysians who undergo organ transplant abroad, effective from January 1.

The move was to curb illegal organ trafficking that can be found commercially overseas.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said they would stop prescribing the free immunosuppressants to those who undergo the operations without prior approval and knowledge of the ministry.

Immunosuppressants are powerful drug that lowers the body's normal immune response to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs and tissues.

“We do not condone organ trafficking. Those who still want to undergo the operations abroad must consult and seek the ministry's approval first,” he said after launching the “Organ Donation Awareness Week Celebration at the National Level” at University Kebangsaan Malaysia Stadium Sunday.

He said without prior approval from the ministry, they would not be given the free medication, which costs between RM800 and RM1,000 per patient per month.



More in The Star Monday

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