Story perspectives

U.S. Hospitals Target International Patients for Lucrative Transplants

12/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Kayoko Hira, a hotel magnate's wife, received a heart transplant after arriving in September 2021, aided by a donation from her husband's charity to a nonprofit linked to the surgeon's wife.
The New York Times reveals U.S. hospitals actively seek international transplant patients, especially from the Middle East, offering shorter wait times and contracts with foreign governments.
These patients generate up to $2 million for hospitals, far above domestic patients.

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Story summary

Kayoko Hira, a hotel magnate's wife, received a heart transplant after arriving in September 2021, aided by a donation from her husband's charity to a nonprofit linked to the surgeon's wife.
The New York Times reveals U.S. hospitals actively seek international transplant patients, especially from the Middle East, offering shorter wait times and contracts with foreign governments.
These patients generate up to $2 million for hospitals, far above domestic patients.