The legal complexities of organ donation the reason why organ trafficking networks exist: IMA

Representative image. | Photo credit: Getty Images

IMA State President Dr. MN Menon said the legal complexities associated with organ donation are a major reason why organ trafficking networks exist and thrive. He said this at a press conference in Kochi on Sunday.

“We have filed formal complaints about the existence of the organ mafia years ago. We understand that there are legal complexities to prevent said mafia, and simplifying the law can help solve this problem,” said Dr. Menon in response to a recent case of busting alleged organ extortion with forged documents.

He said that people should not misunderstand between living and dead gifts. “We need to promote cadaver donation and if it happens regularly, then the problem can be solved very easily. Several lives can be saved through cadaver donation,” he said.

Raise

The IMA has called for an increase in the salaries of junior doctors. She demanded that the minimum wage for doctors working 48 hours a week be increased to ₹80,000.

“A significant number of doctors are working on salaries below ₹30,000 per month. A large number of them have expressed their desire to migrate to other Indian states or foreign countries due to poor pay and working conditions,” said Dr. Sulphi Noohu, Chairman of the Minimum Wages Committee.

A study commissioned by the IMA found that nearly 82% of doctors surveyed, including specialists and super-specialists, were not being paid fairly. A large number of PG residents reported inadequate or irregular stipend, he noted.

The report on the study was published at the meeting of the State Committee. Ensuring a uniform scholarship for all and preventing forced labor are some of the other proposals in the report.

Published – 17 May 2026 20:38 IST