The Ministry of Health and Wellness says it is carrying out a “comprehensive review” of the Human Tissue Transplant Act, the legislation that governs organ transplants in Cayman.
The law was passed by legislators in 2013, though it only came into effect five years later. The introduction of legislation to permit organ transplants in Cayman was one of the stipulations in the government’s agreement with Dr. Devi Shetty to establish Health City, which opened in 2014.
So far, there have been no organ transplants involving local donors carried out in the Cayman Islands, although more minor operations, such as cornea and knee ligaments transplants, have been done here.
Local patients who require liver, heart or kidney transplants travel overseas to undergo surgery.
The ministry says it is now reviewing the legislative framework for transplants in Cayman, and wants to ensure “that any procedures take place within a clear regulatory system that protects donor safety, transparency, and informed consent”.
In a statement to the Compass, it said, “Human tissue transplants cannot proceed until the necessary legal safeguards are in place. As part of this work, the Ministry is exploring a gradual implementation that would begin with live kidney transplants.
“This would allow residents who require these procedures to receive care at home rather than travelling overseas, whilst allowing the government the time to ensure all of the requirements and clinical experts are recruited to oversee and regulate transplants.”
Currently, between 33 and 39 kidney-disease patients a day receive treatment at the Health Services Authority’s Dialysis Unit at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital, which can accommodate up to 13 dialysis patients at one time.
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CIG get it done please, it’s way overdue!!