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A teenager in China has sold a kidney so he can buy an iPhone and iPad, leaving him in a potentially fatal condition.
Five people including the surgeon who carried out the operation have been charged with intentional injury, Reuters reports.
The 17-year-old was only identified by his surname Wang. The operation was carried out last April, the government-run Xinhua News Agency said. Wang now suffers from renal deficiency, meaning his body isn’t able to filter toxins and waste products from the blood. It could prove fatal.
One of the defendants reportedly received 220,000 yuan (£22,000) to arrange the transplant. He paid Wang a tenth of that, then split the rest with the surgeon, the other defendants, and the other medical staff. It’s not known who paid for Wang’s kidney.
Wang is from Anhui, one of China’s poorest provinces. When his mother asked where he got the money, he admitted to selling a kidney.
Apple products are made in China, but remain out of the price range for many residents. This tragic case is a stark reminder of that.
Foxconn operates the Chinese factories where Apple products are made. The factories have been under investigation, with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) outlining various ways it can improve working conditions. Excessive working hours, unfair overtime payment structures and poor safety measures all came in for criticism. Tim Cook himself also paid a visit to the facilities, to show how seriously Apple was taking it.
The iPhone starts at 3,988 yuan (£398) in China, and the iPad at 2,988 yuan (£298).
Are Apple products too expensive? What can be done to curb gadget lust? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, or over on our Facebook page.
