Oman has unveiled plans to regulate the transfer and transplantation of human organs and tissues, according to Oman Observer.
Health Minister Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Obaid Al Sa’eedi issued an edict establishing a technical committee tasked to develop a national programme regulating the process of transplantation of human organs and tissues.
The yet-to-be-announced blueprint will stipulate binding rules and regulations as well the necessary conditions and penalties in case of violations.
The committee will also be authorised to propose conditions and procedures for licensing specialised centres for the collection and preservation of organs and tissues for transplantation, and approval of transfer of organs and tissues to non-relatives.
Under the law, donations may be made only through a written consent of the donor. It is prohibited to exert any psychological or financial pressure, kind or moral coercion, to obtain approval.
It stipulates that the identity of both parties (donor and recipient) shall not be revealed to each other unless there is a mutual agreement. An administrative fine of OMR3,000 will be imposed in case of violations.
It stipulates that advertisements of any type promoting the sale and purchase of organs and human tissues should be avoided. Violaters will be fined upto OMR6,000.
It said the donations between non-relatives can be undertaken only if there is an urgent need, provided it is approved by the technical committee.
A fine of OMR10,000 will be imposed in case of violation of the terms of transfer of the organ or human tissue of the deceased. Other regulations were also announced.