Organ trafficking continues to cast a long shadow over various Asian countries, with alarming reports emerging from Myanmar. According to the World Health Organization's 2007 estimate, approximately 5-10% of transplanted organs originate from the black market, highlighting the global scale of this illicit trade. The problem persists across Asia, infiltrating nations such as Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh. In Myanmar, economic desperation has driven many to the brink of selling their organs illegally.
Since the military coup in Myanmar, unemployment rates have soared, and poverty levels have escalated dramatically, from affecting 25% of the population in 2017 to a staggering 50% in 2023. The country's unofficial exchange rate has seen significant fluctuations, with 100 million kyats ranging from $22,000 to $35,000. This economic instability has pushed individuals like Zeya, a farm worker, to sell his kidney for 7.5 million kyats, roughly translating to $1,700-$2,700.
The organ trade remains illegal in both Myanmar and India. However, the lure of financial gain has led individuals to engage in this perilous activity. Myo Win, another donor from Myanmar, was also offered the same amount as Zeya but had to surrender 10% of his earnings to a broker. Both Zeya and Myo Win were coerced into deceiving authorities by claiming that the kidney recipients were their relatives.
"There were no big issues after the surgery, except that I couldn't move without pain" – Zeya
Despite enduring post-surgery pain, Zeya expressed his determination to return to work soon, acknowledging the risks yet showing no regrets about his decision.
"I have to restart working soon. If the side effects strike again, I have to deal with it. I have no regrets about it" – Zeya
The organ trade's roots extend beyond Myanmar's borders, implicating medical professionals and institutions in other countries. In India, a panel called an authorisation committee must approve all transplants involving foreign nationals. Nevertheless, allegations have surfaced against Dr. Vijaya Rajakumari, accused of conducting kidney transplants as a visiting consultant at Apollo Hospitals. The hospital clarified that Dr. Rajakumari was a freelance consultant and had ceased all clinical engagements with them.
"are entirely baseless and without evidence" – Dr. Rajakumari's lawyer
In July 2023, Indian police apprehended seven individuals, including an Indian doctor and her assistant, connected to an alleged kidney racket. A senior health ministry official had previously warned of a "surge" in transplants involving foreigners and emphasized the need for stringent monitoring.
"We have further enhanced our processes to prevent any such occurrences in the future" – Yatharth Hospital
The organ trade's clandestine operations include brokers who manipulate documentation to facilitate transactions. Myo Win recounted how a broker provided him with a piece of paper detailing false information about the recipient.
"The broker gave me a piece of paper, and I had to memorise what was written on it" – Myo Win
Myo Win's ordeal involved more deceitful tactics as a broker arranged for a fake mother to vouch for him during an assessment call.
"The person assessing my case also called my mum, but the broker arranged a fake mum for the call" – Myo Win
Zeya's experience mirrored similar manipulation, where his name was added to the recipient's family tree to fabricate a familial connection.
"The broker put my name in the recipient's family tree" – Zeya
Despite these challenges and ethical dilemmas, some individuals feel compelled to proceed due to financial constraints.
"I made up my mind that I had to do it because I had already taken their money" – Myo Win
The supply of organs globally meets only about 10% of demand, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), creating a fertile ground for illegal organ trading networks. This shortfall exacerbates the desperation felt by potential donors who face severe economic hardships.
A man in Myanmar anonymously revealed that there is no shortage of willing donors ready to sell their kidneys.
"We have a list of donors who are queuing up to donate their kidneys" – Anonymous man in Myanmar
However, some donors later regret their decisions and warn others against following in their footsteps.
"I am telling other people not to do this. It is not good" – Myo Win