The Directorate of Medical Services (DMS) has formally demanded an explanation from Trichy's Joint Director of Health Services (JDHS), Dr. G C Gopinath, regarding what it has termed an 'incomplete' investigation into a suspected pan-India kidney trafficking racket. This development comes after a Trichy-based doctor was identified as a primary suspect in the case.
Investigation Deemed Insufficient by State Authorities
According to multiple government sources, the DMS's move follows a visit by JDHS Gopinath to the STAR KIMS Hospital in Trichy last week. During that visit, the JDHS reported to the media that only a few staff members and a single patient receiving post-liver transplant care were present at the facility. While patient details were collected, the JDHS stated that a thorough examination of documents was impossible due to the absence of key records and personnel.
However, this account has now been called into question. Government sources revealed that the DMS has specifically asked why the JDHS failed to provide a satisfactory report, especially considering that a separate state government-constituted inquiry panel managed to locate and interview the accused doctor, Dr. G Rajarathinam, at the very same hospital. Dr. Rajarathinam was previously thought to be absconding.
Contrasting Outcomes Raise Questions
A source within the DMS directly criticized the JDHS's efforts, stating, "Despite giving the JDHS orders to conduct an inquiry, the investigation has been left incomplete." In stark contrast, the state panel, led by Additional Director of Medical Services (Inspection) Dr. A Pragalathan, has already submitted a preliminary inquiry report to the DMS office. Government sources confirmed that further action will be decided soon based on this report.
The JDHS has been granted a few days to present his side of the story and explain the discrepancies in his investigation's findings.
Legal Charges and Alleged Role in the Racket
The case has significant legal ramifications. The Maharashtra police have already registered a case against Dr. G Rajarathinam under Sections 18 and 19 of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA). Investigators allege that several illegal transplant surgeries were performed at the Trichy hospital. They claim that the doctor played a central role in identifying kidney donors through intermediaries connected to the widespread racket.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating organ transplants and the critical need for rigorous and transparent investigations by all levels of the medical administration.
