Top 5 most expensive human organs viable for transplant

 

Embakasi West Member of Parliament, Mark Mwenje has had social media streets abuzz following his interview at Kiss FM where he gave insight on the new proposal of the human organs transplant bill which he recently tabled to parliament. 

According to the politician, he has insight that a lot of organ transplant and harvesting goes down in the country however, it irks him that the procedures aren't regulated. 

Following the current noise surrounding the topic, we decided to look at the top 5 most expensive human organ transplants, their life-saving value, and where they are sold.

Organ transplants have saved countless lives, but behind the scenes lies a world of astonishing prices and ethical dilemmas. The demand for organs far outweighs the legal supply, leading to sky-high costs and, sometimes, murky underground markets.

1. Kidney: $200,000–$300,000

The humble kidney tops the list as the most sought-after organ, making up about 75% of the global transplant trade. With rising cases of kidney failure due to diabetes, and hypertension, demand far exceeds supply.

However, in some underground trades, they sell for as low as $15,000.

• Legal transplants often happen in the U.S., Spain, and China. However, illegal kidney markets thrive in countries like India, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

2. Liver: $100,000–$500,000

The liver’s regenerative ability allows partial transplants, but that hasn’t reduced its high demand. Chronic liver diseases, often caused by alcohol abuse or hepatitis, drive the need for this organ.

 On the black market, a liver can fetch up to $500,000. The U.S. and Germany lead in legal liver transplants, but illegal trades have surfaced in countries like Egypt and India.

3. Heart: $1 Million

The heart’s importance as the life-sustaining pump of the body makes it one of the most expensive organs. Heart transplants are incredibly delicate and require precise donor-recipient compatibility.

A heart can cost over $1 million for a legal transplant. Legal procedures occur in advanced medical hubs like the U.S., Brazil, and Turkey. Allegations of illegal harvesting have been reported in regions of China.

4. Lungs: $250,000–$500,000

Lung transplants are vital for patients suffering from advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis. Transplants often involve one or both lungs, adding to their cost.

A pair of lungs can cost upwards of $500,000. Legal transplants are commonly performed in the U.S. and Australia. Black market trades have been uncovered in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia.

5. Corneas: $30,000–$50,000

While not life-sustaining, corneas are vital for restoring sight. They are less expensive than other organs but are still highly sought after.

Corneas cost between $30,000 and $50,000. Cornea transplants are legally performed in India and Israel, but illegal trades have been reported in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The Dark Side of Organ Transplants: Illegal Markets and Organ Harvesting

The underground trade in organs often exploits vulnerable populations in developing countries, creating a black market worth an estimated $1 billion annually.

Interestingly, organ harvesting is illegal almost everywhere, but these countries have strict prohibitions:

• Egypt: It has one of the most established organ transplant programs in North Africa after introducing strict legislation laws back in 2010 to ensure transplants are regulated and ethical. 
• United Kingdom: The Human Tissue Act bans any commercial trade
• Kenya: the country has been making strides in organ transplant surgeries, primarily kidney transplants. Efforts to expand the legal framework are ongoing. 
• China: Officially banned, but reports of forced harvesting persist.
• India: The Transplantation of Human Organs Act prohibits unregulated sales.
•  South Africa: A leader in organ transplantation in Africa due to its robust legal framework and advanced medical infrastructure. Strictly regulated after previous scandals involving illegal harvesting.

While organ transplants represent hope and second chances, the commodification of human organs raises serious ethical and legal concerns.

The staggering costs reveal a tragic reality: for every life saved, another is often exploited. A global solution is needed to balance demand, accessibility, and ethics in the race to save lives.

by HANNIE PETRA