Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) has successfully performed the country’s first kidney transplant involving an “emotional donor”, opening a new avenue for kidney transplantation beyond traditional family and close-relative donors.
BMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr F M Siddiqui disclosed the development at a press conference on Saturday morning.
He said the successful transplant marked a new milestone in kidney treatment in Bangladesh and that, under the current legal framework, eligible individuals outside the immediate family could voluntarily donate a kidney on emotional grounds, subject to the required verification and approval process.
Several agencies are involved in screening and verifying emotional donors, the vice-chancellor said. The relevant authorities examine the legal requirements before approval is granted, while a hospital team evaluates medical and other relevant factors to determine whether the donor qualifies.
He stressed that no financial transaction would be permitted under any circumstances.
The kidney transplant programme had remained suspended for a prolonged period due to various complications, but services have now resumed on a regular basis, allowing kidney patients to receive treatment, he said.
BMU has so far successfully performed six kidney transplants under the resumed programme, according to the vice-chancellor.
