President Ratifies Organ Transplant Act After Parliament Addresses Consent Concerns

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Organ Transplant Act after Parliament addressed concerns over whether people in detention could provide genuinely free consent to donate organs.

The President first returned the Bill to Parliament for reconsideration on 31 May 2026, after it was initially passed on 14 May. President Muizzu raised concerns that detainees, whose liberty is restricted, may be vulnerable to pressure or coercion and therefore may not be in a position to provide free and informed consent to organ donation.

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Following the President’s request for reconsideration, the Bill was referred to the Committee on Social Affairs for further review. The committee reinstated provisions barring individuals under state care, people suspected of crimes and those serving judicial sentences from donating organs.

The committee made further amendments at its 13th meeting on 1 July, after which the Parliament passed the Bill again during the 14th sitting of its second session on 14 July 2026.

The Act establishes a legal framework for the safe and high-quality provision of human organ transplant services in the Maldives. It sets out procedures for organ transplantation and defines the rights and responsibilities of donors, recipients and service providers.

The law also establishes two bodies to regulate the sector. The Organ Transplant Council, appointed by the President, will formulate national policies on organ transplantation, while the Organ Transplant Authorisation Committee will review and approve individual transplant applications.

In addition, the Act establishes procedures and standards for organ transplantation and introduces offences and penalties for transplants carried out in violation of the law.

The Act will come into force 180 days after its ratification by the President and publication in the Government Gazette.