Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister, Ma. Subramanian, delivered a strong message to the Assembly on Thursday, asserting that the government is pursuing the investigation into the Namakkal district kidney transplant racket without any bias. He confirmed that the licenses of two hospitals involved in unauthorized transplant procedures have been revoked, and disciplinary action has been initiated against seven health department officials.
Responding to a calling attention motion presented by former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and PMK member Arul, Minister Subramanian specifically named Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College Hospital in Perambalur and Cethar Hospitals in Tiruchi as the institutions whose transplantation licenses have been cancelled.
The Minister highlighted past instances in Pallipalayam, Namakkal, where kidneys were allegedly sold for sums ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh. He critically noted, “The previous government failed to take any concrete action or establish regulations to prevent this nefarious scam. In stark contrast, our administration has implemented rigorous measures against these two hospitals, ensuring fairness and impartiality in the process.”
Furthermore, Mr. Subramanian informed the Assembly that a specialized investigation team was formed following directives from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. This team has already led to the arrests of two brokers, Stanley Mohan and Anandan, who were deeply involved in the illicit network.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability, stating, “Departmental action has been initiated against government officials found to have sanctioned transplantation permissions without adhering to the rules. We have taken firm action against seven health department officials who were complicit or negligent.”
Concluding his address, the Minister confirmed that the District Level Authorisation Committee for Transplantation has also undergone a significant restructuring, aiming to bolster oversight and prevent future abuses within the organ transplantation system.