Unique ID must be generated for organ donation: Centre

The Union Health Ministry has issued a directive to ensure a unique National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)-ID for all cases of organ transplants, whether from a living or deceased donor.

1: Dimension-Directive to Prevent Commercial Dealing in Organs

• NOTTO-ID Implementation: The directive mandates the generation of a NOTTO-ID for both the donor and recipient, to be issued by the hospital through the NOTTO website (www.notto.mohfw.gov.in).
• Eliminating Commercial Dealing: The aim is to eliminate commercial dealing in organs, especially those involving foreign citizens, to ensure ethical practices in organ transplantation.
• Stricter Monitoring: The Ministry calls for stricter monitoring of organ transplants involving foreign nationals by local authorities to prevent malpractices.

2: Dimension-Ensuring Compliance and Accountability

• Investigation and Action: Appropriate authorities appointed under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 are directed to investigate transplants involving foreign nationals, taking appropriate action against violations.
• Mandatory NOTTO-ID: NOTTO-ID is mandatory for organ allocation in deceased donor transplants, and for living donor transplants, it should be generated within 48 hours after the surgery.

3: Dimension-Enforcing Quality and Oversight

• Regular Inspection: The Ministry emphasizes the need for regular inspection of registered hospitals for transplant/retrieval by appropriate state authorities.
• On-site Monitoring: Monitoring the quality of transplantation, post-operative follow-up of donors and recipients, and outcomes is crucial to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Action against Violations: Hospitals found violating THOTA, 1994 and its rules risk suspension of registration for performing organ transplants, if involved in illegal activities.

Mains Practice Question

Q: “Effective regulation is crucial in ensuring ethical practices in organ transplantation.” Discuss.