CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Health Department has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the allegations of kidney theft involving a private hospital in Tiruchy, following the claims made by a farmer from Maharashtra.
The issue came to light after the farmer released a video alleging that his kidney was illegally removed during treatment at a private hospital in Tiruchy.
Following the shocking revelation, the Maharashtra government constituted a special investigation team to probe the matter. A team from Maharashtra visited Tiruchy last week and conducted an inquiry into the allegations.
Subsequently, the Maharashtra police arrested Dr Ravindra Pal Singh in Delhi in connection with the case. Also, the probe revealed the involvement of KIIMS Hospital in Tiruchy. The inquiry found that Dr Rajarathinam, director, KIIMS Hospital, and Dr Govindasamy, a doctor at the same hospital, were allegedly involved in the kidney theft racket.
In response to these developments, director of Medical and Rural Health Services, Dr Chitra, constituted a three-member panel headed by Joint Director Dr Pragalath. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within three days.
Also, the panel will inspect KIIMS Hospital to verify whether it was authorised to perform kidney transplant surgeries. The committee will also investigate the involvement of other private hospitals in the alleged racket.
Notably, the panel was formed after the Maharashtra government initiated its investigation. Based on the committee's findings, further action will be taken against the doctors and institutions involved.
Meanwhile, Dr Rajarathinam is said to be absconding, and his whereabouts are unknown.