Nepal villagers duped into selling kidneys and told organ would regrow – now country faces new health crisis
In the foothills of the Himalayas, two men lift their shirts to reveal wide scars on their bodies.
Both aged in their 40s, they appear self-conscious – even embarrassed – but they want to share their story.
The men – called Kanchha and Ram – sold their kidneys, driven by financial desperation. Kanchha is still in pain and unable to work because of the side effects from the surgery.
“It’s impossible to count how many have done it,” he says. “Everywhere, this village, that village, so many people have sold their kidneys.”
Ram and Kanchha show their scars
The tell-tale scar, evidence of kidney removal
The village of Hokse in Nepal has a unique and exceptionally troubled history. It’s known as Kidney Valley because someone from almost every household has sold a kidney.
Brokers have been visiting the area for years, persuading people to part with an organ, despite the fact it’s illegal.
Locals have desperately tried to shake that infamy in recent years – they feel duped, damaged by it. Some say they were exploited, some claim they were even told their kidneys would regrow. Some have died as a result of what was done to their bodies.
And now tragically, poverty is fuelling another health crisis in Nepal – with kidneys again at the heart of it.
The village of Hokse in Nepal is known as Kidney Valley
Increasing numbers of Nepalis have chosen to work overseas in the Gulf States and Malaysia to make more money for their families back home. But that’s come with its own jeopardy.
Young, once healthy men are returning to Nepal in desperate need of a kidney transplant. Some scientists say it is the result of exposure to extreme heat and severe dehydration.
Suman showed Sky News his scar
A few years ago, Suman, 31, was so broken financially and emotionally, he considered ending his life. He felt he had “no option” but to travel to India to sell his kidney to a woman pretending to be his sister.
It was a physically excoriating process that has scarred him. He was paid £3,000.
“I felt weak and I lost consciousness,” he says. “When I woke up, it was really hurting. Now I can’t work and I try to tell anyone I can, not to sell their kidney.”
Suman speaks to Sky News
Sky News visited the village of Hokse
Suman was not certain if the doctor knew what he was doing but Indian law is clear – donors must be related and they must present the relevant paperwork.
Organ trafficking remains a major concern in India. It is fuelled by a wide gap in demand and supply.
The lack of donors has given rise to a black market, with doctors and hospitals among those exposed in investigations into “cash for kidney” rackets.
But it is not unique to India. Estimates suggest that globally, one in 10 transplanted organs have been trafficked.
“The agents made fake documents in Kathmandu, including Indian ID cards,” says Kanchha, who also sold his kidney in India.
“My kidney was given to a fake sister. I think the doctor in India knew I’d sold it.”
In Hokse, locals insist no-one sells their kidneys any more – but some are still taking extreme risks to try to improve their lives.
Jit Bahadur Gurung has dialysis three times a week
Jit Bahadur Gurung spent three years working in Saudi Arabia. Aged just 29, he’s had four hours of dialysis – which he does three times a week – at the National Kidney Center in Kathmandu.
He looks fatigued and withdrawn.
“I had to work in extreme heat – around 50 degrees,” he says. “We didn’t have time to have lunch, go to the toilet or drink water.”
Describing the moment he realised something was wrong, he says: “I was overheating. Suddenly I felt my feet swelling and I couldn’t walk. Then I was told my kidney had failed.”
People have been left needing dialysis
On the dialysis ward
Symptoms of kidney failure can often go unnoticed and by the time migrant workers arrive back in Nepal, it’s often too late.
Jit is desperate for a donor. But the donor has to be a relative and there aren’t enough positive matches.
Ishwor is 34 and still searching for his lifeline. He says he worked 16-hour days for seven years in Dubai.
“I was working long hours in high heat without sleep,” he says. “My body started to swell up like I’d been beaten.”
Symptoms of kidney failure can go unnoticed
Dr Pukar Shresth, a pioneering and renowned surgeon at the Human Organ Transplant Center in Nepal, used to only perform transplants on the elderly, but has recently seen young people with scarred and shrunken kidneys.
He noticed a pattern – young men going to work in high heat, with little water and returning with “completely failed kidneys”.
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“It is very grave because about one third of all transplants are these labour migrant workers who have come from abroad,” he says.
“This has caused a huge burden to our health resources health facility because they account for more than 30% of the total transplant number in our country.”
It’s a disproportionate figure since overseas workers represent around 14% of the Nepali population.
Dr Shrestha believes education is key – informing young men going overseas about the importance of having water, taking breaks and a good diet.
Young men are returning with damaged kidneys
A young doctor working alongside him is collecting critical data about where the men have been and what conditions they faced. The men have to have medical tests before they can travel abroad for work, which is why it’s believed they were in good health previously.
The fact is they feel forced to work in some of the world’s hottest places and they have very little agency.
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While some countries like Qatar have reduced the hours people can work in the sun, Nepalis’ suffering hasn’t stopped.
Multiple studies have shown the risk of extreme heat in the Gulf States has only escalated in recent years due to climate change.
And a recent report by Human Rights Watch stated migrant workers are mistreated and viewed as “disposable”.
The hospitals of Nepal are a stark warning shot about the dangers of a warming world and the heavy price being paid by those at the coalface.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
Additional reporting by Rachael Thorn, Asia producer
World
Zelenskyy ready to accept ceasefire deal – as US to resume intelligence sharing and military aid with Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to accept a ceasefire deal – as the US says it has immediately resumed intelligence sharing and military aid with Ukraine.
In a post on Telegram after US and Ukrainian officials met in Saudi Arabia, Mr Zelenskyy said “the American side understands our arguments” and “accepts our proposals” – and that Kyiv “accepts” the US proposal of a full 30-day ceasefire with Russia.
Ukraine war latest: Ball now in Russia’s court, US says
“I want to thank President Trump for the constructiveness of the conversation between our teams,” he said.
“Today, in the conversation, the American side proposed to take the first step immediately and try to establish a full ceasefire for 30 days, not only concerning rockets, drones, and bombs, not only in the Black Sea, but also along the entire front line.
“Ukraine accepts this proposal, we consider it positive, and we are ready to take this step.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is ready to accept the US’ 30-day ceasefire proposal. Pic: Saudi Press Agency / Reuters
‘Ukraine is ready for peace’
The Ukrainian president then said the US “must convince Russia to do this” and that “if the Russians agree – that’s when the silence will work”.
He added: “An important element of today’s conversation is America’s readiness to restore defensive assistance to Ukraine, as well as intelligence support.
“Ukraine is ready for peace. Russia must show whether it is ready to stop the war or continue it.
“The time has come for the full truth. I thank everyone who helps Ukraine.”
Meanwhile, in a joint statement with Kyiv following nine-hour-long talks in Jeddah, the US State Department said it will immediately lift the pause on intelligence-sharing and military aid.
A Ukrainian source told Sky News earlier this month that the US had stopped sharing all intelligence with Kyiv.
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Analysis: A pause in aid for Ukraine
‘Ball is now in Russia’s court’
Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, also told reporters that “the ball is now in Russia’s court” after meeting with the Ukrainian delegation.
After the positive talks, Mr Rubio said “we’re going to take the offer” to Russia, adding: “We’re going to tell them this is what’s on the table, Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking, and now it’ll be up to them to say yes or no.
“I hope they’re going to say yes, and if they do then I think we made great progress.”
‘The ball is now in Russia’s court’ to agree to a ceasefire, Marco Rubio (R) said. Pic: Reuters
He then said that while no deadline has been set, he hopes a deal can be reached “as soon as possible” and that “this is serious stuff, this is not Mean Girls, this is not some episode of some television show”.
“The number one goodwill gesture we could see from the Russians is to see the Ukrainian offer and reciprocate it with a yes,” Mr Rubio added.
National security adviser Mike also said added it is “very clear” that Kyiv shares Donald Trump’s vision for peace and says “they share his determination to end the fighting”.
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Over in the US, Mr Trump said that officials will meet with Russia either today or tomorrow and confirmed he would invite Mr Zelenskyy back to the White House.
“We want to get the Ukraine war over with,” the US president said, before saying he hopes to have a total ceasefire in the coming days.
He also told reporters he thinks he will talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin this week – but warned “it takes two to tango”.
Donald Trump said ‘we want to get the Ukraine war over with’. Pic: Reuters
Last month, Mr Trump accused Mr Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War Three” in an Oval Office meeting.
US vice president JD Vance told the Ukrainian president “you should be thanking” Mr Trump “for trying to bring an end to this conflict,” sparking a tense 10-minute back-and-forth.
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From February: What happened when Trump met Zelenskyy?
A press conference with the two leaders and the signing of an agreement was then cancelled.
World
Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives in Saudi Arabia ahead of US-Ukraine meeting – as Marco Rubio says Kyiv should be ‘prepared to do difficult things’
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of his team having talks with America’s top diplomat on Tuesday.
Mr Zelenskyy will not be at the meeting with US secretary of state Marco Rubio, but Mr Zelenskyy’s team will try to improve relations following his disastrous 28 February visit to Washington, which descended into an Oval Office argument with President Donald Trump and vice president JD Vance.
Follow latest updates on Ukraine and Trump
Mr Zelenskyy with Prince Saud bin Mishaal, and Saudi commerce minister Majid bin Abdullah al Qasabi. Pic: AP
Mr Zelenskyy is due to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later on Monday, after the end of the daily fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio is also in Jeddah. He is not due to meet Mr Zelenskyy – but he held talks with Prince Mohammed to discuss Yemen and threats to ships from Houthis, Syria, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
During talks on Tuesday the Ukrainian team will try to convince the US to restore military aid and intelligence that had helped Kyiv since Russia‘s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Speaking to reporters while travelling to Jeddah, Mr Rubio said if Ukraine and the US reach an understanding acceptable to Mr Trump, that could accelerate his administration’s push to peace talks.
“What we want to know is, are they interested [in] entering some sort of peace conversation and general outlines of the kinds of things they could consider, recognising that it has been a costly and bloody war for the Ukrainians,” Mr Rubio said.
“They have suffered greatly and their people have suffered greatly. And it’s hard in the aftermath of something like that to even talk about concessions, but that’s the only way this is going to end and prevent more suffering.”
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‘We want Ukraine to be serious’ about peace
He said: “I’m not going to set any conditions on what they have to or need to do. I think we want to listen to see how far they’re willing to go and then compare that to what the Russians want and see how far apart we truly are.”
He added: “The most important thing that we have to leave here with is a strong sense that Ukraine is prepared to do difficult things, like the Russians are going to have to do difficult things to end this conflict.”
Meanwhile, British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke to Mr Trump on Monday ahead of the US-Ukraine meeting.
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A Downing Street readout of the call said that Sir Keir told the president that “UK officials had been speaking to Ukraine officials over the weekend and they remain committed to a lasting peace”.
“The prime minister said he hoped there would be a positive outcome to the talks that would enable US aid and intelligence sharing to be restarted,” the statement said.
“The two leaders also spoke about the economic deal they had discussed at the White House and the prime minister welcomed the detailed conversations that had already happened to move this forward. Both leaders agreed to stay in touch.”
The European Union agreed last week to boost the continent’s defences and free up hundreds of billions of euros for security in response to the Trump administration’s shift in policy towards Ukraine.
A US intelligence official said a pause on sharing US intelligence that can be used for offensive purposes by Ukrainian forces remains in effect.
The official suggested that progress could be made towards reinstating intelligence sharing with Ukraine during the Saudi talks.
Syria’s interim government has signed a deal with the Kurdish-led authority that controls the country’s oil-rich northeast.
The agreement – which includes a ceasefire and the merging of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) there into the Syrian army – will bring most of the nation under the control of the government.
The government is currently led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al Sham, which helped to topple president Bashar al Assad in December.
Syria’s interim president Ahmad al Sharaa (R) shakes hands with Mazloum Abdi, the commander of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Pic: AP
Recent clashes have seen more than 1,000 people killed amid violence between government supporters and those thought to be loyal to the ousted leader.
On Monday, the deal was signed by interim president Ahmad al Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the US-backed SDF.
The deal – to be implemented by the end of the year – would bring all border crossings with Iraq and Turkey, airports and oil fields in the northeast under the central government’s control.
Prisons, where about 9,000 suspected members of the Islamic State group are being held, are also expected to come under government control.
Syria’s Kurds will gain their “constitutional rights” including using and teaching their language, which were banned for decades under Mr Assad.
Hundreds of thousands of Kurds who were displaced during Syria’s nearly 14-year civil war will return to their homes.
The deal will also allow all Syrians to be part of the political process, no matter their religion or ethnicity.
Clashes between government supporters and those loyal to Bashar al Assad have seen more than 1,000 people killed. Pic: AP
A coffin carrying the body of Nawaf Khalil Baytar, who was killed during the recent wave of violence. Pic: AP
Syria’s new rulers are struggling to exert their authority across the country and reach political settlements with other minority communities, notably the Druze in southern Syria.
Earlier in the day, the government announced the end of the military operation against insurgents loyal to Mr Assad and his family in the worst fighting since the end of the civil war.
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Surge of violence in Syria explained
The defence ministry’s announcement came after a surprise attack by gunmen from the Alawite community on a police patrol near the port city of Latakia on Thursday spiralled into widespread clashes across Syria’s coastal region.
The Assad family are Alawites.
Pic: AP
Pic: AP
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Defence ministry spokesperson Colonel Abdel-Ghani said security forces will continue searching for sleeper cells and remnants of the insurgency of former government loyalists.
Though the government’s counter-offensive was able to mostly contain the insurgency, footage surfaced of what appeared to be retaliatory attacks targeting the broader minority Alawite community, an offshoot of Shia Islam whose adherents live mainly in the western coastal region.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitoring group, said 1,130 people were killed in the clashes, including 830 civilians.
The interim president said the retaliatory attacks against Alawite civilians and mistreatment of prisoners were isolated incidents, and vowed to crack down on the perpetrators as he formed a committee to investigate.
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