Philippines to relax kidney transplant rules for foreigners

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Philippines to relax kidney transplant rules for foreigners

Sunday, May 6, 2007 at 05:00 EDT

MANILA — The Philippine government will likely relax the number of foreign patients being allowed kidney transplants or totally lift the existing quota reserved for them to jumpstart its bid as a regional medical tourism hub.

Health authorities expect to resolve within the year the issue of lifting a 10% ceiling for foreign beneficiaries of kidney transplants, a limit that is often breached, before finally establishing a national kidney center that will oversee the donation and transplantation process in the country, Health Undersecretary Jade Del Mundo said. "There is a general positive feeling that the quota will be increased, if not totally lifted," Del Mundo said, adding that 22 health institutions are being consulted on the issue and their votes will determine the government organ donation policy. (Kyodo News)