New Hand Transplant Registry System on NOTTO Web Portal
The National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has announced the registration for hand transplant recipients on its web portal. OTTO has authorized hand transplant centers and hospitals to register hand transplant recipients under the “BONE” category within the tissue section.
Government Enhances Recognition for Deceased Organ Donors and Families
In addition to the funeral assistance, the MoHFW has authorized a felicitation ceremony for deceased organ donors and their families. This involves presenting a shawl, certificate with frame, and flowers to the deceased donor’s family member(s) at the time of donation. The maximum cost per donor is Rs. 1,000.
Indian Organ Donation Day To Be Celebrated On August 3, 2024
The Government of India is launching a major campaign, “Angdaan Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan” (Mass Awareness Campaign on Organ Donation), to promote organ donation and bridge the gap between those needing transplants and available donors. All Central Government Ministries, hospitals, and medical colleges (both public and private) are urged to organize activities during the July campaign month and on August 3rd, 2024.
India Sees Rise in Medical Tourism for Organ Transplants
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare anticipates a further rise in foreign patients seeking organ transplants in India. To address this influx, the Ministry has created informative messages and visuals specifically for foreign nationals on guidelines and legal requirements for organ transplants.
Illegal Promotion And Offering Of Organ Trading
NOTTO has observed that certain websites and social media posts are promoting illegal organ trading. Therefore, it has urged all state authorities to take stringent steps to deal with such illegal activities. Illegal organ trading is a serious crime that can result in a fine of Rs. 20 lakhs to Rs. 1 crore and imprisonment for 5-10 years.
Delhi High Court Emphasizes Adherence To Timelines for Organ Transplantation
The Delhi High Court has passed an order establishing crucial guidelines for communication of deficiencies in documentation or any procedural
formalities. It has also stressed on adherence to timelines notified by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for processing transplant applications, verifying documents, and scheduling interviews.
India Promotes Organ Donation Movement
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued letters urging governors of all states and union territories to create awareness among students of all universities. Citizens can pledge organ donation online on NOTTO website or by scanning the QR code available through NOTTO website.
New Timelines Prescribed For Transplantation Authorisation Committees
The entire process, from application submission to the final decision, should ideally be completed within 6 to 8 weeks. Appeals against the authorization committee’s decisions must be addressed within 30 days, ideally within 7 days of receiving the appeal documents.
National Symposium on Organ Donation and Transplantation
The symposium underlined the pressing need for a national policy while acknowledging the importance of local considerations and addressing issues like privacy and inequity. The emphasis remains on promoting public trust, professional procedures, and policy and procedural uniformity across the country.
Hospitals Urged to Improve Brain Stem Death Reporting to Boost Organ Donation
Hospitals shall submit information on organ donation in cases of Brain Stem Death (BSD) through the specified performa on regular monthly basis. Hospitals shall also display “Required Request Display Board” outside the ICUs, emergency or any other strategic location in the hospital.
