NOTTO issues strict warning to prevent trafficking

Subject : Polity

Section: National body

Concept :

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has issued a warning after it found private websites and social media posts promoting and offering organs for trade.

Details

Certain websites and social media posts are promoting and offering organ trading which is in violation of the provisions of Transplantation of Human Organ and Tissue Act (THOTA), 1994 and Rules.
Such activities are punishable offence under section-18 of THOTA 1994, with fines ranging from ?20 lakh to ?1 crore and imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years.

Laws and rules governing the organ transplantation in India

Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994: The primary legislation in India related to organ donation is Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994. The Act provides a system of removal, storage and transplantation of human organs for therapeutic purposes and for the prevention of commercial dealings in human organs.
Recent changes:
- India has also updated its organ donation and transplant guidelines where
- No domicile criteria for receivers: The domicile requirement has been done away with.
- No age ceiling: With the new changes, patients who are 65 years and older can now register for receiving organs from a deceased donor.
- No registration fees: The states are requested to not impose any fees on patients seeking registration for organ transplantation, as it violates the 2014 Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules.

About NOTTO:

National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) is a National level organization set up under Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
NOTTO would function as apex centre for All India activities of coordination and networking for procurement and distribution of Organs and Tissues and registry of Organs and Tissues Donation and Transplantation in the country.
It lays down policy guidelines and protocols for various functions.
Network with similar regional and state level organizations.
It handles the dissemination of information to all concerned organizations, hospitals and individuals.