Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aamer Zaman Khan
Director General / Administrator
It is a great honor to address you through the official platform of the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority (PHOTA), a regulatory body entrusted with one of the most sensitive and life-saving responsibilities in the healthcare system — the ethical, legal, and transparent regulation of human organ and tissue transplantation.
PHOTA was established under the Punjab Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Act, 2012, aiming to ensure that organ transplantation in the province is performed within well-defined ethical and legal frameworks. As the Director General / Administrator of this Authority, I am acutely aware of the trust placed in our Authority by the Government of Punjab and the people we serve. Our work not only supports critically ill patients in need of transplants but also safeguards vulnerable individuals from exploitation in the face of illegal and unethical practices.
The Authority functions with a dual responsibility: on one hand, we regulate and monitor licensed health care establishments/institutions to ensure that transplant procedures are conducted in compliance with national laws and medical standards; on the other, we are actively engaged in public advocacy to promote awareness regarding lawful organ donation, thereby nurturing a culture of compassion, empathy, and voluntary service within our society.
Our ongoing efforts include:
- Strengthening the inspection and accreditation process for transplant centers and tissue banks to ensure adherence to quality standards.
- Monitoring and auditing transplantation activities across the province to detect and prevent any breach of ethics or law.
- Facilitating legal proceedings against individuals or institutions involved in unauthorized or illegal transplant practices, in close coordination with law enforcement agencies.
- Educating the public about the significance of ethical organ donation, to gradually build an informed and willing donor population.
We are fully committed to advancing the cause of safe, ethical, and accessible organ transplantation services in Punjab. While challenges persist, especially in terms of deceased donor program development and cultural perceptions, our resolve remains strong to establish a sustainable and transparent system that meets the highest standards of medical ethics and public trust.
PHOTA is steadily working toward a future where no life is lost due to the unavailability of organs, and where every transplant is a testament to the dignity and generosity of the human spirit. With the support of the Government, healthcare professionals, civil society, and the people of Punjab, we remain steadfast in our mission to protect life and ensure justice in the field of transplantation.
I encourage all stakeholders, visitors, and members of the medical and legal communities to familiarize themselves with our policies, procedures, and initiatives.
Let us work together to build a healthier, more humane future for all !