The Maldives Parliament has passed a bill allowing live donor organ transplants, with 68 lawmakers voting in favor of the legislation submitted by PNC MP Ibrahim Didi on behalf of the government.

The new law sets out regulations for organ transplant services and defines the rights and responsibilities of both donors and healthcare providers. Under the bill, only live donor transplants will be permitted. Donations are limited to organs that exist in pairs or can regenerate after partial removal. However, the transplantation of ovaries and testicles is prohibited.

The bill also outlines strict conditions for donors. Donors must be Maldivian citizens, at least 18 years old, mentally competent, and willing to donate voluntarily. People in state custody or prison are not allowed to donate organs.

To oversee the system, the law establishes the Gunavan Transplant Council and a Transplant Authorization Committee. The council will create regulations, issue and revoke permits, inspect facilities, and take action against violations. The authorization committee will review and approve transplant procedures after ensuring hospitals meet clinical and ethical standards.

The bill also criminalizes the removal, transplantation, or trade of organs without consent. Violators may face heavy fines, while some offenses carry prison sentences of up to one year.