The Telangana health authorities have raised concerns over the misuse of WhatsApp groups by unauthorised individuals, including quacks, to influence organ transplantation procedures in the State.
In-charge of Jeevandan Cadaver Transplantation Programme Dr. Sree Bhushan Raju issued a circular warning hospitals against unethical practices and urging them to adhere to protocols.
The circular follows the recent bust of an illegal kidney transplant racket at Saroor Nagar, which has put the spotlight on the misuse of digital platforms in organ transplantation. Addressed to all registered hospitals, medical administrators, and transplant coordinators, the circular highlights the role of WhatsApp groups in unauthorised sharing of sensitive information.
“It has come to our attention that some transplant coordinators from various hospitals have created WhatsApp groups to share information related to organ transplantation and donation. While the Jeevandan programme supports ethical and transparent communication, misuse of such groups for unauthorised dissemination of sensitive information is a serious concern,” Dr. Bhushan stated in the circular.
The circular further highlighted that such actions compromise the integrity of the organ transplantation system in Telangana. Any communication that bypasses the official Jeevandan protocols would be deemed a violation of ethical and legal standards.
In light of these concerns, all registered hospitals and transplant coordinators have been strictly advised to discontinue the use of unofficial WhatsApp groups for organ transplantation-related communication. The authorities have reiterated that any deviation from official procedures will attract strict action to maintain the credibility and transparency of the State’s organ donation and transplant framework.
