Six Bahrainis with kidney problems have suffered serious complications after undergoing transplant surgeries this year, sparking a warning for people to avoid treatment abroad.

Health officials say the overseas transplant industry poses a threat to the lives of patients as it has become "commercialised" with increasing numbers of illegal organs being traded.

It follows the death of a 50-year-old Bahraini man last month after receiving treatment for renal failure abroad.

"We have found six patients who underwent kidney transplant abroad and returned with complications," said Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) consultant vascular and renal transplant surgeon Dr Sadiq Abdulla.

"Illegal organ trade increases the cost of kidney transplant from BD25,000 ($66,312) to BD40,000.

"We strongly urge patients to stop travelling abroad immediately for kidney transplant as in Bahrain there are qualified transplant teams equipped with all the facilities to conduct surgeries."

According to officials, several Bahrainis travel to the Philippines, Egypt and other countries for organ transplants, with many becoming infected after the operations as the facilities are not up to international standards.

Some patients would also return to Bahrain after treatment with inaccurate medical records, said Dr Abdulla in a statement yesterday.

"We have donors available and all the facilities to conduct successful transplant in Bahrain," he added. "It is dangerous that these patients purchase organs and end up with complications, including severe infections." – TradeArabia News Service