Organ trafficking is considered one of the most heinous crimes worldwide, and selling human kidneys is a part of it. Unfortunately, there is a high demand for kidneys, but there is not enough supply, which leads to black market transplantations. South Africa has been a spot of organ trafficking, and the question that is pondering in many people's heads is: How much is a kidney in South Africa?
Why Do People Sell Their Kidneys?
People who sell their kidneys usually do it out of desperation or because of the monetary gain. In South Africa, specifically, some people turn to donate their organs illegally because of the financial crisis the country is going through. According to a local newspaper, 60% of South African kidney sellers are unemployed.
Illegal Trading: The Prices of a Kidney in the Black Market
The prices of kidneys on the black market are not fixed and may vary. A kidney's cost is usually much higher than what is considered the average salary in South Africa, which does not exceed $5,000 annually. One report stated that a kidney could be sold for up to R3.5 million in the black market in South Africa, which is equivalent to approximately $220,000.
One of the reasons for the high prices is that the brokers, hospitals, and doctors all take a share of the profit, which raises the cost for the patients who need a kidney. These patients are willing to pay any amount to receive the transplant. Additionally, the black market trade is unregulated, which makes it easier for the brokers to set high prices.
The Consequences of Selling Your Kidney
Many kidney sellers suffer from chronic medical conditions as a result of the surgery. Additionally, they feel guilty for selling their organs, and some of them suffer from depression. Many of them do not receive the full amount of money they were promised, and they end up living in poverty. Furthermore, selling organs is illegal and can lead to imprisonment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the illegal organ trade is a significant problem in South Africa. People who sell their kidneys usually do it because of the financial rewards, but the black market prices are unaffordable to many. They suffer greatly after the procedure, and the consequences of selling their organs are severe. There must be a way to regulate the organ transplantation system in South Africa to prevent illegal trading and to help those who genuinely need a transplant.
