THIS is with reference to the case of an unsuccessful liver transplant in PIMS, in which I lost my relative aged 33, in May.

I was shocked to know that the liver transplant centre is running without any liver transplant surgeon in the capital of the country. And the government and all concerned, especially the Human Organs and Tissues Transplantation Authority (HOTA), have played something amiss with the nation.

HOTA registration was granted to the centre where there is no liver transplant surgeon and they have been playing havoc with patients in the liver transplant centre. My cousin was one of those victims.

Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act 2009 defines ‘recognised transplant surgeon or physician’ as surgeons or physicians possessing appropriate qualifications, experience and trained in relevant field, to investigate examine and carry out transplantation surgery of human The organs and tissues.

This law also recommended establishing of an authority to monitor transplantation of human organs and tissues in Pakistan.

This institution has the primary focus of framing rules, certifying eligibility of hospitals for transplantation services and the professional expertise required.

I am just highlighting one of the conditions of HOTA registration, in which it describes "Consultants in the surgical field should possess FCPS/FRCS/MS or equivalent qualification (e.g. Diplomat American Board) with a status not below that of associate professor in teaching hospital and in non-teaching hospitals.

Consultants should have at least five years of experience in transplant surgery. All surgeons should have experience in advanced Hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgery." While in liver transplant centre in Pims, there is no single liver transplant surgeon and a very bitter reality is that the lead surgeon which is also head of liver transplant centre is also a general surgeon.

This is gross negligence on the part of HOTA which needs to explain on which conditions and which surgeon’s name they have approved registration of liver transplant centre.

I appeal to the elected parliament, senate, prime minister, president and Chief Justice of Pakistan to take necessary and prompt action against violation of Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 2009.

I also request relevant authorities to set up an inquiry committee to probe the death of my cousin.

QURBAN ALI BALOCH Islamabad