Top Taiwanese Transplant Surgeon Loses License for Illegal China Organ Brokering

A prominent Taiwanese liver transplant surgeon, Chen Yao-li, has lost his medical license after being convicted of illegally arranging organ transplants for patients in China. The Ministry of Health and Welfare revoked his license, marking the first time a doctor in Taiwan has been disqualified for illegal organ brokering.

Chen was found guilty of facilitating nine liver and kidney transplants in China, generating approximately 14.66 million NT dollars (about $450,000 USD) in brokerage fees. The illegal arrangements violated Taiwan's Human Organ Transplantation Act and medical ethics. One patient reportedly died less than two weeks after a transplant that cost 14 million NT dollars, while three others died within two years, and one passed away five years post-surgery.

Chen previously served as vice superintendent at Chung Shan Medical University Hospital. The hospital stated that in response to the Ministry's decision, they have suspended Chen's employment. They noted that Chen's alleged misconduct occurred while he was employed at Changhua Christian Hospital and that Chung Shan Medical University Hospital had no jurisdiction or prior knowledge of the case.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare cited severe violations of medical ethics and the Human Organ Transplantation Act as grounds for revoking Chen's license. The case highlights the ethical challenges and regulatory scrutiny surrounding organ transplantation, particularly involving cross-border arrangements.