The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has urged states to enhance their efforts in compiling comprehensive data on both deceased and living organ donors. This call comes as part of a broader initiative to combat organ trafficking and ensure transparency within organ transplantation programs across the country.
In a recent advisory issued to all states, the MoHFW emphasized the critical importance of maintaining accurate records of organ donors. This data serves as a crucial tool for monitoring the implementation of organ transplantation programs and preventing illicit practices such as organ trafficking and commercialization.
The advisory underscores the pivotal role of the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), established under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994. NOTTO functions as the apex body responsible for coordinating organ procurement and distribution nationwide, as well as maintaining a national registry of donors and recipients of organs and tissues.
Sources within the Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu reiterated the significance of robust donor data compilation in ensuring the integrity of the organ transplantation process. By maintaining comprehensive records of donors and recipients, authorities can effectively monitor organ procurement and distribution, thereby safeguarding against potential abuses and unethical practices.
The MoHFW’s advisory serves as a proactive measure to address gaps in the compilation of donor data across states and reinforce compliance with THOTA regulations. Through collaborative efforts between central and state authorities, healthcare institutions, and stakeholders, the aim is to strengthen the organ donation and transplantation infrastructure and enhance oversight mechanisms to combat organ trafficking effectively.
Keywords: Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, organ donor data, organ trafficking, National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation, advisory, organ transplantation, THOTA regulations, healthcare institutions.
