President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified a new law establishing the Maldives' first comprehensive legal framework for human organ transplantation, with the legislation set to take effect six months after its publication in the Government Gazette.
The Organ Transplant Act sets out the legal and regulatory framework for the safe and high-quality provision of organ transplant services in the Maldives. It defines the procedures governing organ transplantation while outlining the rights and responsibilities of donors, recipients and healthcare providers.
The Bill was initially passed by the 20th Parliament on 14 May during the first session of the current parliamentary term. However, President Muizzu returned it to parliament for reconsideration on 31 May.
Following amendments proposed by the Committee on Social Affairs at its meeting on 1 July, lawmakers approved the revised legislation at the 14th sitting of the Majlis' second session on 14 July before resubmitting it to the President for ratification.
Under the new law, two institutions will oversee the country's organ transplant system.
An Organ Transplant Council, to be established by the President, will be responsible for formulating national policies on organ transplantation. Meanwhile, an Organ Transplant Authorisation Committee will assess and approve individual transplant applications to ensure procedures comply with the law.
The legislation also introduces standards and procedures governing organ transplantation, alongside offences and penalties for transplants conducted in violation of the Act.
The government says the new legal framework is intended to ensure organ transplant services are carried out safely, ethically and in accordance with nationally established standards.
The Act will come into force 180 days after it is ratified by the President and published in the Government Gazette.