Probe ordered into illegal kidney racket in Visakhapatnam, says AP Health Minister
G. Vinay was lured by an agent to sell one his kidneys, promising that it could fetch him Rs 8.5 lakh but was paid only Rs 2.5 lakh
By Newsmeter Network Published on 29 April 2023 2:30 AM GMT
Amaravati: Taking serious cognizance of the rise in cases of illegal kidney transplantation in the state, Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Vidadala Rajini on Friday said the government has stepped up vigil.
The minister also said an investigation has been ordered into the kidney racket, which was being operated from Pendurthi Tirumala hospital in Visakhapatnam.
āVisakhapatnam collector and Senior health officials have sealed the hospital, where kidneys were illegally removed from people, after conducting an inquiry,ā said Vidadala Rajani.
G. Vinay, a resident of Vambay Colony in Visakhapatnam was lured by an agent to sell one his kidneys, promising that it could fetch him Rs 8.5 lakh but was paid only Rs 2.5 lakh on December 16, 2022 when his kidney was removed at the private hospital.
The alleged illegal kidney transplantation took place in December 2022 at Pendurthi locality, However, it came to light a few days ago after the victim, a resident of Vambay Colony in Madhurawada, complained.
He alleged that Kamaraju, an auto-rickshaw driver, approached him and told him that they were looking for a kidney donor. He introduced Vinay to some people and promised Rs 8.5 lakh for donating a kidney. Vinay was taken to a private center in October 2022 for some tests. However, Vinay was scared to donate his kidney and fled to Hyderabad.
Vinay returned to Vizag in December 2022. He was allegedly kidnapped by Kamaraju, Elena, and Srinu and taken to Tirumala Hospital near Pendurthi in Vizag. Vinay was operated upon and his kidney was removed by the doctors on December 16, 2022.
Subsequently, the victim lodged a police complaint on Wednesday night, which ultimately led to the uncovering of the racket.
According to the Health Minister, the hospital was operating without the requisite permissions, prompting authorities to register criminal cases against its management.
Assuring that no person involved in this racket will be spared, Rajini said a state level committee would be constituted to recommend measures to prevent such incidents.
Inputs from PTI
