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Strengthening India's Organ Transplantation Programme: Key Updates and Initiatives

The Government of India is taking significant steps to ensure the transparency and efficacy of the organ transplantation programme, focusing on data management, regulatory oversight, and the integration of healthcare facilities into a national digital registry.

Introduction

The organ transplantation programme in India is a critical healthcare initiative aimed at saving lives through the donation and transplantation of organs. The government, under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) of 1994, has implemented measures to monitor and regulate the programme, ensuring ethical practices and preventing commercial exploitation.

Data Compilation and National Registry

Mandate for Data Maintenance

The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994, mandates the maintenance of a national registry for living and deceased organ donors and recipients. This registry, managed by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and preventing the illegal trade of organs.

  • Digital Registry: A functional digital registry has been established, where hospitals performing organ transplants must upload data related to both deceased and living donors. Each donor and recipient is assigned a unique NOTTO ID to track the entire process.
State/UTNumber of Registered Hospitals
Maharashtra105
Tamil Nadu98
Karnataka87
Andhra Pradesh65
Gujarat56
Uttar Pradesh54
Delhi52
West Bengal48
Kerala47
Rajasthan39
Total814

Ensuring Fair Allocation of Organs

Advisories on Organ Allocation

In response to concerns regarding the allocation of organs, particularly the allegations that organs from brain-dead patients might be prioritized for foreign nationals over deserving Indian patients, the government adheres to strict regulations under THOTA, 1994.

  • Sequence of Allocation: According to Rule 31(4)(e) of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2014, the allocation sequence is as follows: State List → Regional List → National List → Person of Indian Origin (PIO) → Foreigner. This ensures that Indian nationals and PIOs have priority in organ allocation.

Integration with National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)

Linking Hospitals to NOTTO

To streamline the organ transplantation process and ensure that all activities are monitored centrally, the government has mandated that all hospitals licensed for organ transplantation or retrieval be linked to the NOTTO system.

  • Registered Hospitals: As of July 2024, a total of 814 hospitals, including Organ Transplant Centres and Non-Transplant Organ Retrieval Centres, have been registered with NOTTO. This integration allows for real-time monitoring and ensures that all organ transplants are conducted ethically and transparently.

Government's Role in Monitoring and Oversight

State and UT Responsibilities

The government has instructed all States and Union Territories (UTs) to maintain comprehensive data on organ donors and recipients. Regular advisories and letters have been issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to ensure compliance with these directives.

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