Organ donor organization suspected of moving recipients to head of line for money
Police currently investigating an organization specializing in organ donor mediation, on suspicion of receiving money to provide patients with organs before others in line for transplants.
Israel Police is carrying on an investigation into Matnat Chaim, an organization that helps find organ donations for those in need of a transplant. The investigation is centered on claims that the organization charged for a "donation" intended to push forward those who paid it, despite there being other people in front of them in line waiting for the same organ donation.
Several people who have received organs through the work of Matnat Chaim have already been questioned , as well as the family members of those who have received transplants.
The police stressed that the investigation is a very delicate one, involving people who are suspected of paying the extra fee out of a wish to facilitate a vital transplant that for a member of their family.
Matnat Chaim stated that "We know nothing about the investigation carried against (the organization—ed), and so we do not find it necessary to respond." The organization has so far aided in some 400 transplants in Israel. It only works with organ donors wishing to donate organs for zero pay.
(Translated and edited by Gahl Becker)
