IMA State president Dr. M.N. Menon has said that legal complexities involved in organ donation are a crucial reason why illegal organ trafficking networks exist and thrive. He was speaking at a press conference in Kochi on Sunday.

“We had already given formal complaints regarding the existence of organ mafia years ago. We understand the legal complexities exist to prevent the said mafia, and simplifying the law can help address this issue,” said Dr. Menon, responding to the recent case of the busting of an alleged organ transplant racket involving forged documents.

He said that people should not misunderstand between live and cadaver donations. “We must promote cadaver donation and if this happens regularly then the issue can be addressed with much ease. Several lives can be saved via cadaver donation,” he said.

Salary hike

The IMA called for an increase in the salaries of junior doctors. It demanded that the minimum wage for doctors working 48 hours per week needs to be raised to ₹80,000.

“A significant number of doctors are working for salaries below ₹30,000 per month. A large number of them expressed the desire to migrate to other Indian States or foreign countries due to poor pay and working conditions,” said Dr. Sulphi Noohu, chairperson, committee for minimum wages.

A study commissioned by the IMA found that nearly 82% of doctors surveyed, including specialists and super-specialists, were not receiving fair salary. A large number of PG residents reported inadequate or irregular stipends, it noted.

The study report was released in the State committee meeting. Ensuring uniform stipend to all and avoiding bonded labour are some of the other suggestions in the report.