Centre Orders Probe into Surge of Foreigners Receiving Organ Transplants

April 15, 2024

The Union government has directed an investigation into organ transplants involving foreign nationals in India due to a significant increase in the number of such transplants. Concerned about potential “commercial dealings” in organs transplanted on foreigners, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has called for closer monitoring by state and union territory authorities and actions against hospitals violating rules.

Ministry’s Concerns and Directives

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has expressed concerns over reports of commercial dealings in organ transplants and has directed the appropriate authorities appointed under the Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994, to investigate transplants involving foreign nationals.

The Director-General of Health Services has requested the generation of a unique NOTTO-ID for both the donor and recipient in all cases of organ transplants and enforcement of appropriate action in case of any violations.

Actions to be Taken

Authorities have been instructed to take necessary actions, including suspending the registration for performing organ transplants, against hospitals found violating THOTA regulations. To prevent commercial dealings, an alert was issued to the Ministry of External Affairs regarding foreign nationals traveling to India for organ transplants.

Following a news report exposing irregularities in organ allocation to foreigners, NOTTO revised guidelines to make it more challenging for foreign nationals to access organs from donors, resulting in a significant increase in transplants for Indian patients.

Impact of New Guidelines

After the implementation of revised guidelines by NOTTO, the number of Indian patients receiving life-saving organs increased by 56% compared to previous years, as reported by the Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu. This action aims to address concerns related to commercial dealings and ensure fair and ethical practices in organ transplants involving foreign nationals.

About organ transplants

Organ transplants involve the surgical removal of an organ from one person (the donor) and its placement into another person (the recipient) who is in need of a functioning organ. This procedure is typically used to treat organ failure or damage caused by disease, injury, or genetic disorders. Organs that can be transplanted include the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, and intestines. Organ transplants can significantly improve a recipient’s quality of life and overall health, but the process involves complex medical considerations and requires careful matching between donor and recipient.

About National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)

National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) is a government agency in India responsible for coordinating organ donation and transplantation activities. NOTTO maintains a national registry of organ donors and recipients to facilitate matching and distribution of organs. It also conducts awareness campaigns to promote organ donation and trains healthcare professionals in organ transplantation.

NOTTO plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and transparent allocation of organs, as well as providing support and guidance to organ transplant centers across the country.

Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA)

Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 was enacted to regulate organ donation and transplantation. The Act aims to prevent commercial dealing in organs, ensure ethical practices, and protect both donors and recipients. THOTA prohibits the sale and purchase of organs, and only allows donations from living-related donors or cadaveric donors. The act also establishes a regulatory authority to oversee organ transplant procedures and ensure compliance with its provisions. Violations of THOTA can result in severe penalties including imprisonment and fines.

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