Latest news with #NOTTO
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
NOTTO's advisory on organ donation has troubling recommendations, say doctors and experts
A recent 10-point advisory from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) to States and Union Territories (UT) to augment organ donation and transplantation in the country has some contentious recommendations. It has proposed to make provisions to grant additional points in the organ allocation criteria for women on the waiting list to address gender disparity, to prioritise a near relative of a previous deceased donor in need of transplant, and wants hospitals to provide data of each donor and recipient for the national registry maintained by it. NOTTO, in line with the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day 2025, had sent out the advisory with the approval of the competent authority of the Union Health Ministry. While it stated that States should honour the deceased organ donors, ensuring that they receive a dignified funeral and their family members are felicitated at public functions, it went on to suggest the following: to make provisions to give additional points in the allocation criteria for women patients in the waiting list for deceased donor organ transplants to address gender disparity, and to make provisions that if a near relative of a previous deceased donor needs organ transplant, then he/she may be given priority. A senior doctor, who did not want to be named, said that these issues must be discussed in detail with all the stakeholders and cannot be implemented as such immediately. Another doctor in the know said: 'There are no protocols for prioritising women and near relatives of previous donors. How will you define near relatives and streamline the same? Deceased donations, which run on the basis of altruism, have been happening since 1995, and how are we going to define near relatives of these donors?' 'Encroaching on State's role' J. Amalorpavanathan, former convenor, Cadaver Transplant Programme (CTP) and founder member secretary, Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu (TRANSTAN), said such an advisory was not necessary. 'The powers of the State and Centre are clearly demarcated, and there is no need to infringe upon the role of either. These recommendations can only be seen as a furtherance to Government of India's 'One Nation, One Policy' for organ donation and transplantation. It will lead to encroaching on the State's role and policies and gradually usurping power,' he said. He said that when the CTP was debated in 2008, there was discussion about prioritising women. 'But then, there were points on also prioritising children, and then working parents. We decided to do away with such categories and take every human being in need of transplant as priority,' he added. Another contentious point is asking States to issue directions to hospitals/centres performing organ and tissue transplantation/retrieval or tissue banking to provide data of each donor and recipient of organ or tissue for the national registry maintained by NOTTO. In the event of non-compliance, the States may consider taking action as per the Transplantation of Human Organ and Tissue Act, 1994. He viewed this as an example of the Centre encroaching on the right of the State to run matters of public health. Following a similar mandate from NOTTO in 2015, the State wrote back saying that any information required can be provided by the State government, which is fully in control of the transplant programme, he recalled. The advisory also wanted States to promote adopting a healthy lifestyle and to highlight the role of ayurveda and yoga. Experts, however, objected to their imposition on evidence-based medicine. While sources in the Health department said the advisory lacks clarity, a health official said these points require more discussion. Responding to a query on the sharing of data, officials clarified it was done through TRANSTAN.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
AIIMS Nagpur Bags 3 More Awards For Excellence In Organ Donation
Nagpur: AIIMS Nagpur received three more prestigious recognitions for its outstanding contribution to organ donation and transplantation in the presence of state public health minister Prakash Abitkar, NOTTO director Dr Akash Shukla, and Nair Hospital dean Dr Shailesh Mohite at KEM Hospital in Mumbai, on Tuesday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On August 2, AIIMS Nagpur was conferred 'Best Emerging Government Institution in Organ Donation and Transplantation' award by NOTTO during the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day celebration held in Delhi. On August 5, AIIMS Nagpur received a special award for the state hospital for retrieval of deceased donation organ programme, a regional award for best brain stem death committee, and a special award for donation after DCD in Maharashtra. The three regional awards were given by the Regional cum State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (ROTTOSOTTO), Western Region & Maharashtra. AIIMS Nagpur nodal officer Dr Manish Shrigiriwar received the awards on behalf of the institute in Mumbai. AIIMS-N executive director Dr Prashant P Joshi commended the team. AIIMS Nagpur has so far conducted 46 kidney transplants. The brainstem death committee of AIIMS Nagpur includes Doctors Alok Umredkar, Suchita Meshram, Udit Narang, Gunjan Ghodeshwar, Bharat Rathod, Om Asai, Rajashree Khot, Vijay Bidkar, Mahendra Chauhan, Kiran, Jagne, Sandeep Dhabekar, Amol Dube, Nishant Banait, and Abhijit Chaudhary, who got certificate of appreciation and recognition to the brainstem death committee.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
India performed record 18,900 organ transplants in 2024: Nadda
India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said on 2 August. This is a significant leap from fewer than 5,000 transplants in 2013, he said, adding that India ranks third globally in the total number of organ transplants, behind only the United States of America and China. The health minister added that India leads the world in hand transplants, showcasing our cutting-edge surgical capabilities and the unwavering dedication of our medical professionals. Speaking at an event organised by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) to mark the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day, Nadda said there is a significant gap between the number of patients who need transplants and the number of donors. Addressing challenges "There is an alarming rise in organ failure cases, posing a serious threat to public health and increasing strain on the healthcare system. Every year, thousands of people wait for organ transplants. Despite the urgent need, there remains a significant gap between the number of patients waiting for transplants and the number of available donors," he said. "This gap is not due to lack of willingness but often due to lack of awareness and hesitation rooted in myths and misconceptions. That's why the organ donation day -- which gives us a platform to spread awareness, encourage conversation and honour the donors and their families -- is important," he stated. Improved organ transplant rates Highlighting the strides made by India in organ donation, Nadda stated that since the launch of Aadhaar-based NOTTO online pledge website in 2023, more than 3.30 lakh citizens have pledged their organs. This surge in pledge registration reflects a growing awareness and dedication amongst the citizens towards this shared goal, Nadda said. "Due to the unwavering dedication of our transplant professionals, India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year. This is a significant leap from fewer than 5,000 transplants in 2013. India ranks third globally in the total number of organ transplants, behind only the United States of America and China," he added. Call for more discourse about organ donation Pointing to the gap between requirement and availability, Nadda emphasised the need for greater awareness, more public dialogues, timely consent from families, and robust system to support donation. "Each organ donor is a silent hero, someone whose selfless act transforms grief into hope and loss into lives. One person can save up to eight lives by donating heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestines. Additionally, countless lives can be transformed through tissue donations," he said, adding that organ donation is one of the noblest acts. Underlining government efforts, Nadda said, "Under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi, financial support of up to Rs 15 lakh is provided to poor patients for transplantation of kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. A support of up to Rs 10,000 per month is provided after the transplant to cover medical expenses. Kidney transplant package has also been included in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana," he said. Emphasising that unhealthy lifestyle and food habits are among the major factors leading to organ failure and hence it is necessary to take preventive measures and lifestyle interventions, he urged people to adopt yoga to promote overall well-being. "Ayurveda and yoga offer simple practices to strengthen our organs and boost immunity. We must adopt yoga to promote overall well-being," Nadda said. He added that Prime Minister has time and again encouraged everyone to take proactive steps towards better health. "One such powerful message is his call to reduce the consumption of oil by 10 per cent, a simple yet impactful step towards building a healthier disease-free future," Nadda said.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
India performed record 18,900 organ transplants in 2024: J P Nadda
New Delhi: India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said on Saturday. This is a significant leap from fewer than 5,000 transplants in 2013, he said, adding that India ranks third globally in the total number of organ transplants, behind only the United States of America and China. The health minister added that India leads the world in hand transplants, showcasing our cutting-edge surgical capabilities and the unwavering dedication of our medical professionals. Speaking at an event organised by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) to mark the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day, Nadda said there is a significant gap between the number of patients who need transplants and the number of donors. "There is an alarming rise in organ failure cases, posing a serious threat to public health and increasing strain on the healthcare system. Every year, thousands of people wait for organ transplants. Despite the urgent need, there remains a significant gap between the number of patients waiting for transplants and the number of available donors," he said. "This gap is not due to lack of willingness but often due to lack of awareness and hesitation rooted in myths and misconceptions. That's why the organ donation day -- which gives us a platform to spread awareness, encourage conversation and honour the donors and their families -- is important," he stated. Highlighting the strides made by India in organ donation, Nadda stated that since the launch of Aadhaar-based NOTTO online pledge website in 2023, more than 3.30 lakh citizens have pledged their organs. This surge in pledge registration reflects a growing awareness and dedication amongst the citizens towards this shared goal, Nadda said. "Due to the unwavering dedication of our transplant professionals, India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year. This is a significant leap from fewer than 5,000 transplants in 2013. India ranks third globally in the total number of organ transplants, behind only the United States of America and China," he added. Pointing to the gap between requirement and availability, Nadda emphasised the need for greater awareness, more public dialogues, timely consent from families, and robust system to support donation. "Each organ donor is a silent hero, someone whose selfless act transforms grief into hope and loss into lives. One person can save up to eight lives by donating heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestines. Additionally, countless lives can be transformed through tissue donations," he said, adding that organ donation is one of the noblest acts. Underlining government efforts, Nadda said, "Under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi, financial support of up to Rs 15 lakh is provided to poor patients for transplantation of kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. A support of up to Rs 10,000 per month is provided after the transplant to cover medical expenses. Kidney transplant package has also been included in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana," he said. Emphasising that unhealthy lifestyle and food habits are among the major factors leading to organ failure and hence it is necessary to take preventive measures and lifestyle interventions, he urged people to adopt yoga to promote overall well-being. "Ayurveda and yoga offer simple practices to strengthen our organs and boost immunity. We must adopt yoga to promote overall well-being," Nadda said. He added that Prime Minister has time and again encouraged everyone to take proactive steps towards better health. "One such powerful message is his call to reduce the consumption of oil by 10 per cent, a simple yet impactful step towards building a healthier disease-free future," Nadda said.>
Hans India
5 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Telangana receives national award for highest organ donation rate
Hyderabad/New Delhi: Telangana has been honoured with a prestigious national award for achieving the highest organ donation rate in India. According to a senior official, in 2024, Telangana recorded an organ donation rate of 4.88 donors per million population (pmp), which significantly surpassed the national average of 0.8 pmp. The award was presented during a felicitation ceremony held in New Delhi as part of the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day celebrations, organised by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO). The award was received by Dr G Mallikarjun and the Jeevandan Team on behalf of the Government of Telangana from the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda. The Jeevandan initiative, spearheaded by the Telangana government, has consistently set a benchmark in organ donation awareness, coordination, and successful transplantation, making the state a model for the rest of the country. Jeevandan, launched in 2012 by the Government of Telangana, is administered by the Cadaver Transplantation Advisory Committee (CTAC), chaired by the Special Chief Secretary of Health, Medical and Family Welfare, and the Appropriate Authority for Cadaver Transplantation (AACT), headed by the Director of Medical Education. The Director of Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) serves as Co-Chairman. Since its inception, the programme has facilitated organ and tissue donation from 1,673 deceased donors, resulting in the transplantation of 6,309 organs and tissues. This recognition places Telangana at the forefront of ethical and efficient organ donation and transplantation in India. It reflects years of commitment, collaboration, and public participation, especially from donor families who made the selfless decision to save lives. According to officials, the number of donors and organ donations has gradually increased year after year over the last ten years. In 2013, there were 41 donors who donated 189 organs, including kidneys, livers, hearts, corneas, heart valves, lungs, and pancreases. Similarly, there were 51 donors donating 233 organs in 2014, with over 500 donations in 2017. In the year 2023, there were 729 organ donations, which was the highest number during the last ten years.
