Parliament has passed the amended Human Organ Transplant bill after incorporating key revisions proposed following President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's decision to return the bill for reconsideration.

President Dr Muizzu returned the bill to Parliament, stating that several provisions, together with amendments introduced during its initial passage, could create practical challenges in implementing the law. He called for the legislation to be reviewed and amended before ratification.

The Parliament's Social Affairs Committee subsequently reviewed the bill and introduced a number of changes.

One of the principal amendments reinstates two provisions previously removed from Article 7, making individuals under State custody, as well as those serving criminal sentences or detained on criminal charges, ineligible to donate organs.

The President, in returning the bill for revision, stated that people in custody have restricted freedom and autonomy, making it difficult to ensure that organ donation is based on fully informed and voluntary consent, free from any form of coercion. He also noted that, even in the few countries where prisoners are permitted to donate organs, the practice is subject to stringent safeguards and additional legal procedures. Allowing such donations without similar protections, he said, could create significant challenges in implementing the legislation.

The committee also revised provisions relating to unlawful organ removal and illegal transplantation. Clauses providing for qisas as a punishment and the confiscation of organs involved in illegal transplants were removed. Instead, offenders will face fines ranging from MVR 150,000 to MVR 250,000 and prison sentences of between 12 and 18 months.

The amended legislation also clarifies its implementation timeline. Regulations required under the Act must be formulated within 180 days of ratification, while the legislation will come into force 180 days after ratification. An Organ Transplant Council must also be established within 60 days of the Act taking effect.

The legislation was passed unanimously, with all 58 members present voting in favour following the presentation of the Social Affairs Committee's report.