President Muizzu Ratifies Landmark Law Establishing Maldives' First Organ Transplant Framework

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified a landmark piece of legislation establishing the first comprehensive legal framework for human organ transplantation in the Maldives. The Organ Transplant Act, which aims to ensure the safe and ethical provision of transplant services, will officially take effect six months after its publication in the Government Gazette. The new law provides a rigorous regulatory structure governing the procedures of organ transplantation while clearly defining the rights and responsibilities of donors, recipients, and healthcare providers. By establishing these legal guardrails, the government intends to eliminate ambiguity and ensure all procedures meet national safety and quality standards. To oversee the system, the Act mandates the creation of two specialized bodies. An Organ Transplant Council, appointed by the President, will be tasked with formulating national policies. Complementing this, an Organ Transplant Authorisation Committee will review and approve individual transplant applications to ensure every case complies strictly with the law. The legislation does not only provide a pathway for legal transplants but also introduces strict penalties and defines specific offenses for any procedures conducted in violation of the Act. This dual approach of enablement and enforcement is designed to protect patients and prevent unethical practices within the healthcare system. The journey of the legislation involved careful deliberation. Initially passed by the 20th Parliament on May 14, the Bill was returned to the Majlis (the Maldivian Parliament) by President Muizzu on May 31 for reconsideration. Following amendments proposed by the Committee on Social Affairs on July 1, the revised legislation was approved during the 14th sitting of the second session on July 14 before being sent back for final ratification. This legal milestone marks a significant shift in the Maldivian healthcare landscape, providing a regulated pathway for life-saving procedures that previously lacked a dedicated domestic legal framework.