Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions2019-06-25T03:53:31+00:00
Would a donor’s or recipient’s family ever know each other?2019-03-01T08:04:31+00:00

No, in Cadaver Organ Donation Programme confidentiality is always maintained, unlike in the case of living donors who usually already know each other.

If the family wishes, they will be given some brief details such as the age and sex of the person or persons who have benefited from the donation. Patients who receive organs can obtain similar details about their donors. It is not always possible to provide recipient information to donor families for some types of tissue transplant.

Those who have wish to exchange anonymous letters of thanks or good wishes they can do it through the transplant coordinator. In some instances donor families and recipients have arranged to meet.

Will I become medically unfit after organ donation?2019-03-01T09:02:02+00:00

No, It is a basic principle of living donation program that person remains absolutely healthy for the rest of his/her life after donation. Thus, the donor is not medically unfit for any purpose. However, in a certain situation, a living organ donor is treated differently. Like in the Armed Forces, an organ donor is not taken as normal and donor faces issues related to Promotion in job etc.

Why waiting list is so long?2019-03-01T07:55:56+00:00

There is a huge disparity between demand and supply for transplant. There are more numbers of patients requiring different organs as compared to a number of organs available for transplantation. That is why there is an urgent need to create awareness about organ donation. As more persons decide to take the pledge and donate organs, the waiting list will go down.

Why can organs of a brain dead patient be used for transplantation and not those of a patient who has died of a cardiac arrest?2019-03-01T09:18:49+00:00

Solid organ donation (heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys) requires blood circulation to be maintained in these organs until retrieval. This is possible in brain-stem death where the functioning of these organs can be supported for some time.

However organ after cardiac death can also be harvested, provided the time gap is minimal.

Who will tell me about the Transplant process?2019-03-01T07:41:49+00:00

Transplant Coordinator and Treating Registered Medical Practitioner will explain you about the process of Transplant.

Who will receive my organ?2019-03-01T09:11:32+00:00

Your vital organs will be transplanted into those individuals who need them most urgently. Gifts of life (Organs) are matched to recipients on the basis of medical suitability, the urgency of transplant, duration on the waiting list and geographical location. NOTTO and its state units (ROTTO & SOTTO) will work round the clock, every day of the year and cover the whole of the country. The tissue is very occasionally matched, e.g. for size and tissue type, but otherwise is freely available to any patient in need of a transplant.

Who will certify the Brain-stem Death?2019-03-01T09:07:10+00:00

As per THOA Board of Medical Experts Consist of following will certify Brain-stem Death:

1. Doctor in charge of the hospital (medical superintendent)

2. Doctor nominated from a panel of Doctors appointed by the Appropriate Authority

3. Neurologist/neurosurgeon/intensivist nominated from a panel appointed by the Appropriate Authority.

4. Doctor treating the patient.
The panel of four doctors carries out the tests together to certify brain death.

Who is transplant coordinator?2019-03-01T07:42:13+00:00

Transplant Coordinator means a person appointed by the hospital for coordinating all matters relating to removal or transplantation of Human Organs or Tissues or both and for assisting the authority for removal of human organs.

Though their work is more related to deceased organ donation, they are responsible for living organ donation also. The current Transplantation of Human Organ Act envisages that every hospital doing transplant activity, whether retrieval or organ transplantation must have a transplant coordinator in the hospital before the center is registered for transplantation under the act. Transplant coordinator is a pivot of the organ donation and transplantation.

Who explains to the family about the brain-stem death?2019-03-01T09:07:45+00:00

The doctor (Intensivist/ neurologist/neurosurgeon) who is treating the patient will explain to the family about brain-stem death.

Who can give consent for organ donation after brain-stem death?2019-03-01T09:11:57+00:00

A person legally in possession of the deceased person can sign the consent form. This is usually done by a parent, spouse, son/daughter or brother/sister.

     By signing a consent form the family says that they do not have any objection to the removal of organs from the body of their loved one. It is a legal document. This form is kept with the hospital.

Who can be a Donor?2019-03-01T07:28:00+00:00

Living Donor: Any person not less than 18 years of age, who voluntarily authorizes the removal of any of his organ and/or tissue, during his or her lifetime, as per prevalent medical practices for therapeutic purposes.

Deceased Donor: Anyone, regardless of age, race or gender can become an organ and tissue donor after his or her Death (Brainstem/Cardiac). Consent of near relative or a person in lawful possession of the dead body is required. If the deceased donor is under the age of 18 years, then the consent required from one of the parent or any near relative authorized by the parents is essential. Medical suitability for donation is determined at the time of death.

What Organs and Tissues can a Deceased donor donate?2019-03-01T09:05:25+00:00

If different organs and tissues are in medically fit conditions, following organs and tissues can be donated:

Organs:- Two kidneys, Liver, Heart, Two lungs, Intestine, Pancreas.

Tissues:- Two corneas, Skin, Heart valves, Cartilage / Ligaments, Bones /Tendons, Vessels

What is waiting list for Organ Transplant?2019-03-01T07:47:41+00:00

A list of people waiting for receiving an organ.

What is Transplantation?2019-03-01T07:37:59+00:00

Transplantation is the act of surgical removal of an organ from one person and placing it into another person. Transplantation is needed when the recipient’s organ has failed or has been damaged due to illness or injury.

What is Tissue?2019-03-01T07:18:00+00:00

Tissue means a group of cells performing a particular function in the human body. Examples would be bone, skin, cornea of the eye, heart valve, blood vessels, nerves and tendon etc.

What is the role of a transplant coordinator in Organ & Tissue Transplant?2019-03-01T07:42:54+00:00

The transplant coordinator has to counsel the grieved family, make them comfortable and approach the subject of eye donation and later on solid organ donation.

If the family gives consent for organ retrieval, then the coordinator has to inform the Nodal Officer and coordinate with the ICU staff to maintain the patient on a ventilator and organize organ retrieval. The coordinator has to ensure that all paperwork is correctly done and that the family receives the body as soon as possible.

What is the protocol to maintain waiting list?2019-03-01T08:05:30+00:00

As per protocol, patients who require cadaver organs are put in the waiting list. But in India, number of patients requiring organs are more as compared to number of organs available.

There are two types of waiting list; one is urgent waiting list and another one is regular waiting list. Urgent listing of patients for cadaver organ transplant is primarily based on medical criteria, i.e. patient needs organ on urgent basis otherwise he/she may not survive.

Regular waiting list is also based on medical criteria and these criteria are different for different organs. Like for kidney transplant, main criteria is time spent on regular dialysis. Similarly, for other organs, criteria are different.

What is the protocol for organ distribution?2019-03-01T08:06:55+00:00

The organs would be distributed locally within the State first, and if no match is found, they are then offered regionally, and then nationally, until a recipient is found. Every attempt would be made to utilize donor organs.

What is the process to find a right donor?2019-03-01T07:56:47+00:00

When a transplant hospital adds an individual to the waiting list, it is placed in a pool of names. When any deceased organ donor becomes available, all the patients in the pool are compared to that donor. Factors such as medical urgency, time spent on the waiting list, organ size, blood type and genetic makeup are considered

What is the benefit to my family or me after donation of organs?2019-03-01T07:31:20+00:00

Donation of an organ or tissue provides an unparalleled opportunity to give someone a second chance of life. Your donation is not only giving impact to the life of one person or family, but it is of overall help for the society as a whole.

What is Swap donation?2019-03-01T09:01:11+00:00

Sometimes in the family, there is a potential related donor who is otherwise willing but due to blood group mis-matching criteria or due to some other medical reasons is not fit to donate organ to that particular recipient in family. Further, in another family similar situation exists. However, in these two families, donor of one family may become medically fit for recipient of other family and vice versa. These two families then make a pair and make organ transplant possible for these two recipients of different families. This is called ҳwap donationҠtransplantation. Swap transplant is legally permitted in THOA (Amended) act 2012.

What is Organ Donation?2019-03-01T07:26:46+00:00

Organ Donation is the gift of an organ to a person with end-stage organ disease and who needs a transplant.

What is living donor organ donation?2019-03-01T08:09:26+00:00

Means a person during his life can donate one kidney (one kidney is capable for maintaining the body functions), a portion of the pancreas (half of the pancreas is adequate for sustaining pancreatic functions) and a part of the liver (the segments of the liver will regenerate after a period of time).

What is Cadaver/Deceased?2019-03-01T09:04:58+00:00

The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘Cadaver’ as ‘a dead human body’. Medically a ‘Cadaver’ is a corpse used for dissection and study. In the area of Organ Transplantation, ‘cadaver’ refers to a brain-dead body with a beating heart, on the life support system.

What is Brain-stem Death?2019-03-01T09:05:49+00:00

Brain stem death is cessation of function of the brain stem due to irreversible damage. It is an irreversible condition and the person has died. It is also called Brain Death in India.

     A brain stem dead person cannot breathe on his own; however the heart has an inbuilt mechanism for pumping as long as it has a supply of oxygen and blood. A ventilator continues to blow air into lungs of brain stem dead persons, their heart continues to receive oxygenated blood and medicine may be given to maintain their blood pressure. The heart will continue to beat for a period of time after brain stem death – this does not mean that the person is alive, or that there is any chance of recovery.

     The declaration of brain stem death is made with accepted medical standards. The parameters emphasize the 3 clinical findings necessary to confirm irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem: coma (loss of consciousness) with a known cause, absence of brainstem reflexes, and apnea (absence of spontaneous breathing). These tests are carried out twice at the interval of at-least 6-12 hours by the team of Medical Experts. Brain-stem Death is accepted under the Transplant Human Organ Act since 1994.

What is an Organ?2019-03-01T06:50:00+00:00

An organ is a part of the body that performs a specific function: like your Heart, Lungs, Kidney, Liver etc.

What, if I had pledged to donate Organs, but my family refuses?2019-03-01T09:17:58+00:00

In most situations, families agree of donation if they knew that was their loved oneӳ wish. If the family, or those closest to the person who has died, object to the donation when the person who has died has given their explicit permission, either by telling relatives, close friends or clinical staff, or by carrying a donor card or registering their wishes on the NOTTO website, healthcare professionals will discuss the matter sensitively with them. They will be encouraged to accept the dead personӳ wishes. However, if families still object, then the donation process will not go further and the donation will not materialize.

What are the tissues that can be donated?2019-03-01T07:18:48+00:00

The tissues that can be donated are Cornea, Bone, Skin, Heart Valve, blood vessels, nerves, and tendon etc.

What are the reasons for time delays in deceased organ donation?2019-03-01T09:09:45+00:00

Confirmatory tests for brain death have to be done twice within an interval of six hours between the tests. Once consent for organ donation has been obtained, coordinating the process of organ retrieval takes time.

     Organ retrieval from deceased donors involves many hospitals , and transplant teams should ensure that the donated organs match as perfectly as possible with the recipient. If it is a medico-legal case, a post-mortem has to be performed and this involves both the police as well as the Forensic Medicine department.

What are the Organs that can be donated ?2019-03-01T07:00:35+00:00

The organs that can be donated are Liver, Kidney, Pancreas, Heart, Lung, Intestine.

What are the ethical concerns with living unrelated donations?2019-03-25T12:30:32+00:00

Doctors are concerned with the possible emotional/ financial exploitation of donors, by recipientsҠfamilies, and from transplant hospitals. They are worried that, with the increasing demand of organs, the rights of the poor donor to live with dignity may be abused.

Transplant hospitals have become more careful with a good system of screening in place, and an Authorization Committee of Hospital/ District/State scrutinizes all the applications. Today, Living Unrelated donations have become more transparent and streamlined.

What are the end stage diseases that can be cured by transplantation?2019-03-01T07:41:19+00:00

Here are some end stage diseases which can be cured by the transplantation:

Diseases:- Organs

heart failure:- Heart

terminal lung illnesses:- Lungs

kidney failure:- Kidneys

liver failure:- Liver

Diabetes:- Pancreas

Corneal Blindness:- Eyes

Heart Valvular disease:- Heart valve

severe burns:- Skin

What are the different types of living organ donation?2019-03-01T08:58:52+00:00

Living Near Related Donors: Only immediate blood relations are accepted usually as donors viz., parents, siblings, children, grandparents and grandchildren (THOA Rules 2014). Spouse is also accepted as a living donor in the category of a near relative and is permitted to be a donor.

Living Non- near relative Donors: are other than a near relative of recipient or patient. They can donate only for the reason of affection and attachment towards the recipient or for any other special reason.

SWAP Donors: In those cases where the living near-relative donor is incompatible with the recipient, provision for swapping of donors between two such pairs exists, when the donor of first pair matches with the second recipient and donor of second pair matches with the first recipient This is permissible only for near relatives as donors.

The people who have pledged for Organ donation in life, will they definitely become organ donors?2019-03-01T07:33:30+00:00

No, Only few people die in the circumstances where they are able to donate their organs. That is the reason we need people to take pledge for Organ Donation and registered them self as potential Donor.

Is there difference in organs between heart beating donor or donor after cardiac death?2019-03-01T09:18:24+00:00

Yes. Heart beating donor means the patient has been declared as Brain-stem Dead, and his /her organs can be retrieved when heart is still beating with the assistive devices. Beating heart keeps the blood supply intact to organs and there is no damaging affect of low blood supply to organs.

     In case of donation after cardiac death, heart has stopped beating and there is no blood supply to organs. Because of that, donation after cardiac death has to be done immediately, as without blood supply, the organs will not be viable for use after certain period of time.

Is there any insurance cover for organ transplant costs?2019-03-01T07:43:38+00:00

Till a few years back, transplant cost both for the donor as well as the recipient was not covered by most of the insurance companies. Now a day many insurance companies are covering cost related to transplant. It will be better to be sure when you are going for insurance.

Is there any charge to my family for organ/tissue donation?2019-03-01T09:15:32+00:00

No. There is no additional charge to family of potential organ donor. Potential donor needs to be medically maintained in ICU till the time of donation. From the time family agrees to donate organs and tissue, all charges are borne by the treating hospital and donor family is not charged any further.

Is there any age limit to be registered for transplant?2019-03-01T07:45:52+00:00

Yes, the patient should be fit for transplant and age is one of the criteria for assessing the fitness of patient for transplant.

Is there any age limit for Organ Donation?2019-03-01T07:27:16+00:00

Age limit for Organ Donation varies, depending upon whether it is living donation or cadaver donation; for example in living donation, person should be above 18 year of age, and for most of the organs deciding factor is the personӳ physical condition and not the age. Specialist healthcare professionals decide which organs are suitable case to case. Organs and tissue from people in their 70s and 80s have been transplanted successfully all over the world. In the case of tissues and eyes, age usually does not matter.A deceased donor can generally donate the Organs & Tissues with the age limit of:

Kidneys, liver:up-to 70 years

Heart, lungs:up-to 50 years

Pancreas, Intestine: up-to 60-65 years

Corneas, skin: up-to 100 years
Heart valves: up-to 50 years
Bone: up-to 70 years

Is there age limit for living donor?2019-03-01T09:00:45+00:00

Yes, there is some age-limit for living organ donation. The living donation should be done after 18 years of age.

Is it possible to receive organs from a friend or other than near relative?2019-03-01T09:02:27+00:00

As per Transplantation of Human Organ Act, any living person other than near relative can also donate organ for the reason of affection and attachment towards recipient or for any other special reason. Such cases have to be approved by the Authorization Committee of the Hospital, where the transplant is going to take place. Approval of authorization Committee is mandatory in all other than cases involving relatives.

 If such authorization committee is not existing in the Hospital then it can be approved by the respective district or state level Authorization committee of the district (or state, if no committee at district level), where the transplant hospital is located.

Is it possible to know my status in the waiting list?2019-03-01T08:01:45+00:00

Yes, you may know your status in the waiting list as this is a quite transparent system. But this will not help you significantly as getting an organ depends on many other factors other than just waiting list number.

Is it possible that I can express my wish to donate organs to some people and not to others?2019-03-01T09:15:04+00:00

No. Even though if you carry a donor card, your immediate family members and close relatives will be asked for donation of organs and tissues. The consent is mandatory from the person lawfully in possession of the dead body, before donation can be carried out. If they refuse, then organ donation will not take place.

Is Brain-stem Death legally accepted as death?2019-03-01T09:06:28+00:00

The family can approach the counselor of the hospital, the transplant coordinator or the doctors and nursing staff of the ICU.

If the family is willing to donate organs of the potential donor, how can they proceed for more information in terms of brain-stem dead?2019-03-01T09:08:59+00:00

The family can approach the counselor of the hospital, the transplant coordinator or the doctors and nursing staff of the ICU.

If my family refused cadaver organ donation, will my treatment be affected?2019-03-01T09:12:26+00:00

No. Even though your family refuses for organ donation, the treatment will be carried out as per the clinical condition. Organ donation process is never linked with your appropriate treatment.

hese two are separate entities. A completely different team work, for donation. Also, doctors involved in transplant operation are never involved in the donation process from the family of potential donor.

If I had pledged before, can I change my mind to un-pledge?2019-03-01T07:31:01+00:00

Yes, you can unpledge by making a call to the NOTTO office or write or visit NOTTO website www.notto.nic.in and avail of the un-pledge option by logging into your account. Also, let your family know that you have changed your mind regarding organ donation pledge.

If I get a call for transplant, will I definitely get the organ?2019-03-01T08:03:58+00:00

No, getting a call for transplant does not mean that you will definitely receive an organ. The transplant team will examine your immediate fitness for transplant. There is a possibility that the tests are done just before possible transplant may not be normal to make you fit for transplant. Further, more than one patient is called for possible transplant and it may be a chance that someone else will be more fit than you for that particular organ transplant.

If I carry a donor card, will my organ be taken out without my family being asked?2019-03-01T09:14:36+00:00

No. Even though if you carry a donor card, your immediate family members and close relatives will be asked for donation of organs and tissues. The consent is mandatory from the person lawfully in possession of the dead body, before donation can be carried out. If they refuse, then organ donation will not take place.

How quickly should the donated Organs by a deceased donor, be transplanted?2019-03-01T09:10:12+00:00

Healthy organs should be transplanted as soon as possible. Different organs can be transplanted within different time frame as mentioned below:

Heart:- 4-6 Hours.

Intestine:- 4-10 Hours.

Liver:- 15-15 Hours.

Pancreas:- 12-24 Hours.

Kidneys:- 24-48 Hours.

How many patients need organ transplant in India on an average?2019-03-01T07:32:52+00:00

A-In India there is a growing need of Organ and tissue transplant due to large number of organ failure. As there is no organized data available for the required organs, the numbers is only estimates. Every year, following number of persons needs organ/tissue transplant as per organ specified:

Kidney 2,50,000

Liver 80,000

Heart 50,000

Cornea 1,00,000

How long will I have to wait?2019-03-01T07:55:22+00:00

Once you are added to the national organ transplant waiting list, you may receive an organ on the same day, or you may have to wait many years. Factors affecting are how well you match with the donor, how sick you are, and how many donors are available in your local area compared to the number of patients waiting.

How long it will take to get a cadaver’s organ?2019-03-01T08:00:52+00:00

There is no time line on how long one will have to wait for an organ that the individual requires. This depends on his/her medical situation and how frequently organs are becoming available in a city or state.

How does whole body donation differ from organ donation?2019-03-01T07:35:41+00:00

Organ donation for therapeutic purposes is covered under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA 1994). Whole body donation is covered by the Anatomy Act 1984.

Organ and Tissue donation is defined as the act of giving life to others after death by donating his/her organs to the needy suffering from end-stage organ failure.

Body donation is defined as the act of giving oneӳ body after death for medical research and education. Those donated cadavers remain a principal teaching tool for anatomists and medical educators teaching gross anatomy.

How does someone get on the waiting list?2019-03-01T07:53:36+00:00

The patient can register for inclusion in the waiting list through a registered transplant hospital. The treating physician of the hospital shall make an evaluation (based on medical history, the current condition of health, and other factors) and decide if the patient needs a transplant and meets the criteria to be listed. Like for kidney transplant, other than blood group, the main criteria is time since the patient is on regular dialysis. Similarly, for other organs, criteria are different based on medical history, the current condition of health, and other factors.

How can I know that I am fit to be listed for organ transplant?2019-03-01T07:53:58+00:00

Every patient who has developed end stage organ failure may not be fit for organ transplant. Basic principle is that patient must be screened on medical grounds (based on medical history, current condition of health, and other factors) for the development of end stage organ failure. Your treating doctor will decide whether you are medically fit for transplant and other issues before listing in the wait list.

How can I help in increasing organ donation?2019-03-01T07:37:05+00:00

You can help by:

A. Becoming a donor, and talking to your family about your decision of saving the lives of others.

B. Promoting donation by motivating people at the workplace, in your community, at your place of worship, and in your civic organizations.

How can I be a Donor, What is the process to take donor pledge?2019-03-01T07:28:42+00:00

You can be a donor by expressing your wish in the authorized organ and tissue donation form (Form-7 As per THOA). You may pledge to donate your organs by signing up with our website www.notto.nic.in and register yourself as donor or for offline registration you may download Form 7 from our website. You are requested to fill the form 7 and send signed copy to NOTTO at below mentioned address:
NATIONAL ORGAN AND TISSUE TRANSPLANT ORGANISATION
4th Floor, NIOP Building, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi-110029

How are donated organs matched with patients?2019-03-01T08:07:23+00:00

Many medical factors need to match to ensure a successful organ transplant. Blood group is one of the major factors taken into account. Organ size of the donor & recipient is also considered. For kidneys another important factor is tissue matching which is more complex than blood grouping matching and also takes more time. The best results can be achieved if there is a perfect kidney match.

There is a local, regional and national computerized list of patients waiting for an organ transplant. Most of the time, computer will identify the best matched patient for a particular organ and organ is offered to the transplant unit who is treating that patient. Also, priority is given to patients who most urgently need a transplant. NOTTO operates the waiting list and organ allocation system. It works round the clock, every day of the year. In case of tissues, matching is usually not required.

Does organ / tissue removal affect cremation / burial arrangements or disfigure the body?2019-03-01T09:16:39+00:00

No. The removal of organs or tissues will not interfere with customary funeral or burial arrangements. The appearance of the body is not altered. A highly skilled surgical transplant team removes the organs and tissues which can be transplanted in other patients. Surgeons stitch he body carefully, hence no disfigurement occurs. The body can be viewed as in any case of death and funeral arrangements need not be delayed.

Do I need to register my pledge with more than one Organisation?2019-03-01T07:29:29+00:00

No, if you have already pledged with one Organisation & received a Donor Card, you need not to register with any other organization.

Do I need to carry my donor card always?2019-03-01T07:29:02+00:00

Yes, it will be helpful for the health professionals and your family.

Do I need to be always prepared to receive call for transplant?2019-03-01T08:02:37+00:00

Yes, it may be better to be mentally prepared and have some funds for an urgent organ transplant. Cadaver transplant is mostly on an urgent basis. That is why it is better that your investigations for cadaver transplant are updated all the time so that whenever you receive a call, you can get the organ. Getting a cadaver organ is a gift and one should not miss it.

Do I have option other than organ transplant?2019-03-01T08:01:20+00:00

This query can only be answered by the treating doctor depending upon medical condition and stage of damage of the organ. For example in a case of kidney failure, dialysis is an alternative treatment and for kidney failure patient transplant is usually not an emergency. Also, for a heart failure patient, some patients can be maintained on artificial cardiac assistive devices. Similarly for other organs criterias are different, that can be maintained on medical therapies for the time being.

Can organs be removed, after death, at home?2019-03-01T09:17:03+00:00

No. It can only be removed when a person is declared as brain stem dead in the hospital and is immediately put on a ventilator and other life support systems. After death at home, only eyes and some tissues can be removed.

Can my Organs be given to a foreigner also?2019-03-01T08:07:51+00:00

As per the Transplantation of Human Organ Act 1994, sequence of allocation of organs shall be in the following order:
State List-Regional list-National List-Person of Indian Origin-Foreigner

Can I donate organ while I am still alive?2019-03-01T08:57:44+00:00

Yes, but not all organs and tissues, only few organs can be donated during life. The most common organ donated by a living person is a kidney as a healthy person can lead a completely normal life with only one functional kidney. Kidneys transplanted from living donors have a better chance of long-term survival than those transplanted from deceased donor. Nearly 90% of all kidney transplants currently in India are from living donor.

In addition to kidney, part of a liver can be transplanted and it may also be possible to donate a segment of a lung and, in a very small number of cases, part of the small bowel. For all forms of living donor transplants, the risk to the donor must be considered very carefully. Before a living donor transplant can go ahead there are strict regulations to meet and a thorough process of assessment and discussion.

Can I be sure doctors will try to save me if I am registered as a potential organ donor?2019-03-01T09:14:00+00:00

Yes, its Health professional’s duty to save the life of patient first. Despite all efforts, if the patient dies, organ and tissue donation can then be considered and a completely different team of retrieval and transplant specialists would be called in.

Can I be an organ donor, if I have been rejected to donate blood?2019-03-01T07:35:03+00:00

Yes, The decision about whether some or all organs or tissue are suitable for transplant is always made by a specialist, taking into account your medical history. There may be specific reasons why it has not been possible to donate blood, such as having anemia or had a blood transfusion or had hepatitis in the past or there may be reasons why you could not donate blood because of your health at the time – sometimes a simple thing like a cold or medication that you are taking can prevent you from donating blood.

Can I be a donor if I have an existing medical condition?2019-03-01T07:34:33+00:00

Yes, in most circumstances you can be a donor. Having a medical condition does not necessarily prevent a person from becoming an organ or tissue donor. The decision about whether some or all organs or tissue are suitable for transplant is made by a healthcare professional, taking into account your medical history.

In very rare cases, the organs of donors with HIV or hepatitis-C have been used to help others with the same conditions. This is only ever carried out when both parties have the condition. All donors have rigorous checks to guard against infection.

Can a person, without a family, register for pledge?2019-03-01T07:17:13+00:00

Yes, you can pledge, but you need to preferably inform the person closest to you in life, a friend of long standing or a close colleague, about your decision of pledging. To fulfill your donation wishes, healthcare professionals will need to speak to someone else at the time of your death for the consent.

Can a dead body be left for medical education or research after the organs have been retrieved for donation?2019-03-01T07:36:07+00:00

No, Bodies are not accepted for teaching purposes if organs have been donated or if there has been a post-mortem examination. However, if only the corneas are to be donated, a body can be left for research.

Are there any religious objections to donate Organs and Tissues?2019-03-01T07:32:10+00:00

No, none of our major religions object to donate organs and tissues, rather they all are promoting and supporting this noble cause. If you have any doubts, you may discuss with your spiritual or religious leader or advisor.

Are donors screened to identify if they have a transmissible disease?2019-03-01T07:33:56+00:00

Yes, Blood is taken from all potential donors and tested to rule out transmissible diseases and viruses such as HIV and hepatitis. The family of the potential donor is made aware that this procedure is required.

What is “Informed Consent”?2019-03-25T12:27:12+00:00

Informed consent is a process, which is not specific to organ and tissue donation. This is a process of reaching an agreement based on a full understanding of what will take place, in the form of medical treatment. Informed consent involves information sharing as well as the ability to understand and freely make a choice in relation to medical treatment.

What is “Presumed Consent”?2019-03-25T12:27:35+00:00

Required request is a way of getting consent of the person for the cadaver donor transplantation. Any person, who wishes to donate his/her organ and tissue after his death, has to affirmatively make a pledge that his/her organs after death can be used for transplantation and saving life of other person.

At the time of death, Hospital staff approaches family of the deceased person for donating their loved ones organs and tissues to save life of others. This approach is also called as үpting inҠapproach.

What is “Required Request”?2019-03-25T12:27:40+00:00

A required request is a way of getting the consent of the person for the cadaver donor transplantation. Any person, who wishes to donate his/her organ and tissue after his death, has to affirmatively make a pledge that his/her organs after death can be used for transplantation and saving lives of other people.

At the time of death, the Hospital staff approaches the family of the deceased person for donating their loved ones’ organs and tissues to save the life of others. This approach is also called as үpting inҠapproach.

Whom do I report, in case, I find that there is a sale of organs?2019-03-25T12:27:45+00:00

In case, anybody submitting false records or any other delinquency should be reported to the Appropriate Authority of the State Government, Department of Health & Family Welfare. Any hospital, Authorization Committee, or a person can approach the State Appropriate Authority. The Appropriate Authority can file a case against the party.
As per the Amended 2011 THO Act offenses/punishments are as follow:

Offence ( THO Act 2011 Amendment)               Imprisonment               Fine
Removal of organs without authority                     10 years                       Rs. 20 Lakh

Can people buy / sell organs?2019-03-25T12:28:13+00:00

No. As per Transplant of Human Organ Act (THOA), buying/ selling of organ in any way is punishable and has significant financial as well as judicial punishment. Not only in India but in any part of the world, selling of an organ is not permissible.

What is legal position on Organ Donation?2019-03-25T12:28:17+00:00

Organ Transplantation and Donation is permitted by law and covered under the “Transplantation of Human Organs Act 1994”, which has allowed organ donation by living & Brain-stem Dead donors. In 2011, amendment of the Act also brought in donation of human tissues, thereby calling the Amended Act “Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act 2011”.

What is National Registry?2019-03-25T12:28:21+00:00

The national registry for organ donation & transplant is as follows:-

I – Organ Transplant Registry:
The Organ Transplant Registry shall include demographic data about the patient waiting for transplant (Organ/hospital wise waiting list), donor (Living Donor including Related Donor, Other than Near Related Donor, Swap Donors, and Deceased Donor), hospitals, follow up details of recipient and donor etc., and the data shall be collected from all retrieval and transplant centers.

Data collection may preferably be through a web-based interface or paper submission and the information shall be maintained both specific organ wise and also in consolidated formats.
The hospital or Institution shall update its website regularly in respect of the total number of the transplantations done in that hospital or institution along with reasonable detail of each transplant and the same data should be accessible for compilation, analysis and further use by authorized persons of respective State Governments and Central Government.
II – Organ Donation Registry:
The Organ Donation Registry shall include demographic information of donor (both living and deceased), hospital, height and weight, occupation, primary cause of death in case of deceased donor, associated medical illnesses, relevant laboratory tests, donor maintenance details, driving license or any other document of pledging donation, donation requested by whom, transplant coordinator, organs or tissue retrieved, outcome of donated organ or tissue, details of recipient, etc.
III – Tissue Registry:
The Tissue Registry shall include demographic information on the tissue donor, site of tissue retrieval or donation, primary cause of death in case of deceased donor, donor maintenance details in case of brain stem dead donor, associated medical illnesses, relevant laboratory tests, driving license or any other document pledging donation, donation requested by whom, identity of counsellors, tissue(s) or organ(s) retrieved, demographic data about the tissue recipient, hospital conducting transplantation, transplant waiting list and priority list for critical patients, if these exist, indication(s) for transplant, outcome of transplanted tissue, etc.
IV – Organ Donor Pledge Registry:
The National Organ Donor Register is a computerized database which records the wishes of people who have pledged for organ and tissue donation. A person during their life can pledge to donate their organ(s) or tissue(s) after their death through Form 7 and submit it in paper or online to the respective networking organization and pledger has the option to withdraw the pledge through intimation.
There are many hospitals and organizations those are also maintaining the list of persons who have pledged organ donation with them, will be passed to National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation for National Register.

Is it right to remove a healthy organ from a living person and give it to another?2019-03-25T12:25:33+00:00

Organ transplantation is undertaken only as a lifesaving treatment. It is best for the transplant team to decide whether to go ahead with a live organ donation, keeping in mind the two issues of doing no harm to the donor, and doing good for the recipient. Only the transplant team can decide whether the benefit to the patient is worth the risk faced by the donor. The transplant team takes into account the mortality and morbidity of the donor, though this can be accurately predicted.

If someone desperately needs an organ, is there any point in making a special appeal?2019-03-25T12:25:04+00:00

Any special appeal usually results in more people agreeing to become donors and can increase the number of organs pledging.

However, family appeals through the newspapers and television will not result in an organ immediately becoming available for the person on whose behalf the appeal was made. The patient will still be on the waiting list, just like everyone else, and the rules that govern the matching and allocation of donor organs to recipients still apply.

Is it possible to jump the waiting list if you are rich, well connected and influential?2019-03-25T12:25:51+00:00

No. In India, the allocation of organs to recipients on the waiting list is based on predetermined criteria which include date of registration and medical criteria.

The wealth, race, or gender of a person on the waiting list has no effect on when and whether a person will receive a donated organ. The Transplantation of Human Organs Act of 1994 makes it illegal to buy or sell human organs in India.

Does Government of India financially support organ transplant?2019-03-25T12:26:18+00:00

Yes. Government of India has started National Organ and Transplant Program (NOTP), under which patients below poverty line are supported for the cost of transplant as well as cost of immunosuppressant after transplant for one year. Other than this, renal transplant in all public hospitals is subsidized as per Government of India policy.

Is the police department involved in any way for the declaration of brain-stem death?2019-03-25T12:26:26+00:00

The police department has to be informed that a patient is brain dead if it is a medico-legal case, but the declaration of brain-stem death is only done by a panel of doctors.

What are medico-legal cases?2019-03-25T12:26:34+00:00

When an accident victim is brought to a hospital for emergency treatment, an FIR has to be filed by the family in the nearest police station. Such cases are usually called medico-legal cases. Also, any medical treatment (for suicide, assault, poisoning or fall) which needs that the police should be notified becomes a medico-legal case.

The police will conduct an inquest about the incident and take charge of the case. A forensic doctor will examine the patient and will allow or deny organ retrieval.

What is the importance of a donor registry?2019-03-25T12:26:49+00:00

A registry is an essential part of understanding who and where potential donors are. A registry gives a planner enough information to devise strategies to get more public cooperation and commitment towards organ donation. Having a registry in place allows doctors and transplant coordinators to check if a brain dead person wished to donate and then approaching the family for consent becomes easier. It helps in saving crucial time in the process of organ donation.

Who can join the NOTTO Organ Donor Register?2019-03-25T12:26:53+00:00

Everyone irrespective of age or health can join the NOTTO Organ Donor Register. Joining the Register expresses a wish to help others by donating organs or tissues after death but importantly, joining the Register also is a way to give legal consent or authorization for donation to take place.

What is NOTTO Organ Donor Register?2019-03-25T12:27:07+00:00

The NOTTO Organ Donor Register is a computerized database which records the wishes of people who have pledged for organ and tissue donation and decided that, after their death, they want to leave a legacy of life for others. There are many hospitals and organizations that are also maintaining the list of persons who have pledged organ donation with them, will be passed to NOTTO website for National Register.

What is National Human Organs and Tissues Removal & Storage Network?2019-03-25T12:28:26+00:00

The Central Government has established a National Human Organs and Tissues Removal & Storage Network named NOTTO, which stands for National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation. NOTTO will have five Regional Networks ROTTO (Regional Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization) and each Region of the country will develop SOTTO (State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation) in every State/ UT.
Each hospital of the country related to transplant activity, whether as retrieval or transplant, has to link with NOTTO, through ROTTO/SOTTO as a part of National Networking.