New Guidelines for Fair Access
Women to Get Priority in India’s Organ Transplant Allocation: In 2025, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) unveiled a 10-point plan designed to reduce gender-based disparities in organ transplantation. The policy directs states and Union Territories to award extra priority points to women on transplant waiting lists. Relatives of deceased donors who require transplants will also be favoured in the allocation process.
Static GK fact: NOTTO was set up in 2014 as the apex body for organ and tissue donation in India.
Transparent Allocation Standards
Organ allocation in India is based on factors like severity of illness, waiting time, and compatibility in blood type and organ size. The revised policy now incorporates a gender-sensitive approach. Each donor and recipient will be assigned a unique identification number to enhance monitoring and prevent misuse. Hospitals must submit detailed transplant data to a national digital registry, with penalties for violations under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994.
Expanding Facilities and Expertise
The advisory emphasises appointing permanent transplant coordinators in all hospitals performing organ retrieval or transplantation. Organ retrieval units are to be set up in trauma centres and medical colleges in phases. Additionally, ambulance crews and emergency staff will be trained to identify and report potential deceased donors promptly, particularly in accident and stroke cases.
Static GK fact: The world’s first successful kidney transplant was performed in 1954 in Boston, USA.
Encouraging Public Participation
Since the launch of the Aadhaar-based organ pledge platform in 2023, more than 3.3 lakh individuals have committed to organ donation. India achieved its highest-ever transplant figure of 18,900 procedures in 2024, a steep rise from under 5,000 in 2013. The guidelines recommend public ceremonies and honours for donor families, alongside the appointment of state-level brand ambassadors to promote awareness and dismantle misconceptions.
Strengthening Legal and Ethical Safeguards
By linking compliance to legal provisions under THOTA 1994, the policy ensures stricter oversight of organ allocation and transplantation. It reinforces the principles of equity, dignity, and urgency in healthcare, ensuring life-saving organs reach those most in need while addressing historical biases.
Static GK Tip: India observes National Organ Donation Day annually on November 27.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Women to Get Priority in India’s Organ Transplant Allocation:
| Topic | Detail |
| Announcement year | 2025 |
| Issuing body | National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) |
| Core aim | Reduce gender bias in organ allocation |
| Beneficiaries | Women patients, relatives of deceased donors |
| Legal framework | Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 |
| Record transplants | 18,900 in 2024 |
| Pledge system launch | 2023 |
| Total pledges | 3.3 lakh+ citizens |
| Monitoring measure | Unique ID for each donor and recipient |
| Awareness method | Appointment of state-level brand ambassadors |
