On the occasion of the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day, the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has issued a comprehensive 10-point advisory to all States and Union Territories with the approval of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The advisory outlines a strategic roadmap aimed at significantly augmenting organ donation and transplantation activities across the country. This advisory was issued on August 2, 2025.
The recommendations are designed to foster a more supportive and robust ecosystem for organ donation, from honoring deceased donors to streamlining operational and administrative processes.
Key points of the advisory include
Honoring Deceased Donors
States and UTs are advised to honor deceased organ donors and ensure they receive a dignified funeral. Their family members should be felicitated at public functions at the State and District level, such as on August 15th and January 26th.
Addressing Gender Disparity
To address gender disparity, states are urged to make provisions to give additional points in the allocation criteria for female patients on the waiting list for deceased donor organ transplants.
Prioritizing Donors’ Families
The advisory recommends making a provision that a near relative of a previous deceased donor may be given priority for an organ transplant if they are in need.
Expanding Retrieval Infrastructure
States are advised to develop facilities for organ and tissue retrieval in all trauma centers and medical colleges in a phase-wise manner and to register them as organ retrieval centers under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994.
Training and Awareness
NOTTO has called for the training of emergency responders and ambulance staff for the early identification of potential deceased donors, particularly among road traffic accident victims and stroke patients. A brand ambassador should also be appointed at the state level to boost awareness campaigns.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
The advisory highlights the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the role of Ayurveda and Yoga. On the occasion of the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day, “Guidelines based on Ayurveda and Yoga to promote healthy organs(s)” have been released, with the aim of addressing risk factors that cause organ failures. These guidelines are available on the NOTTO website.
Strengthening National Registry
All hospitals and centers performing organ and tissue transplantation or retrieval are directed to provide data for the National Registry maintained by NOTTO. Non-compliance may result in action being taken as per the THOTA Act, 1994.
Permanent Posts for Coordinators
Acknowledging the pivotal role of Transplant Coordinators, the advisory recommends creating permanent posts for them in hospitals that perform organ transplantation or retrieval.