Apollo Hospital Faces Investigation Following ‘Cash for Kidneys’ Scandal

In a recent development, the city government of New Delhi has launched an investigation into Apollo Hospital, a prominent institution within India’s largest private hospital chain. The probe comes in response to a media report that implicated the hospital in the illegal sale of kidneys by Myanmar nationals for organ transplants. 

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), operating under the federal health ministry, reached out to Delhi authorities following a report published by Britain’s Telegraph. The report alleged Apollo’s involvement in a “cash for kidneys” scandal, where young villagers from Myanmar were purportedly flown to the hospital in Delhi and induced to sell their kidneys to wealthy Burmese patients. 

Apollo Hospitals (APLH.NS) has not yet responded to a request for comment from Reuters. However, in the Telegraph report, the hospital expressed being “completely shocked” by the findings and pledged to conduct an internal investigation. Apollo vehemently denied any willful complicity or implicit sanctioning of illegal activities related to organ transplants. 

NOTTO Director Anil Kumar emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and concrete evidence before determining the appropriate course of action. Delhi Health Secretary S B Deepak Kumar informed Reuters that the city had initiated a probe following an order from the federal government. Indraprastha Medical Corp (IMCL.NS), an associate of Apollo managing its two hospitals in the Delhi region, declared that it had initiated an inquiry into the matter.

The allegations were described as “absolutely false, ill-informed, and misleading.” The organization pledged full cooperation and provision of relevant information to authorities upon request. As of the latest information, Indraprastha Medical had not yet received any indication from authorities about the commencement of the investigation. 

The Myanmar government has not responded to Reuters’ request for comment on the allegations. Apollo, a Chennai-based hospital chain, operates over 70 hospitals across India and conducted 1,641 solid organ transplants in 2022, according to company data. The hospital is known for treating foreign patients who travel to India for medical procedures. 

The specific facility implicated in the Telegraph report is the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Sarita Vihar, located in the southeast of New Delhi. This hospital is renowned and popular, raising concerns about the potential impact of the allegations on its reputation. 

The situation has prompted calls for a comprehensive and impartial investigation to ascertain the veracity of the claims and determine whether any illegal activities were indeed taking place within the hospital. The outcome of the investigation will likely have significant implications not only for Apollo Hospital but also for the broader healthcare sector in India. 

The allegations of illegal kidney sales have put Apollo Hospital under scrutiny, prompting both internal and external investigations. As the investigations unfold, the healthcare community and the public await conclusive evidence and official statements to shed light on the truth behind these serious accusations. 

News Reference  

Returns, New Delhi investigating alleged illegal transplants at Apollo hospital in the city, https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-probe-apollo-hospital-delhis-alleged-links-cash-kidneys-scandal-2023-12-06/.