NOTTO (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health & Related Issues)

Context: Recently, the Union Health Ministry issued a directive mandating a unique National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)-ID for all organ transplant cases, aiming to eliminate commercial dealings, particularly those involving foreign citizens.

National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)

• Establishment: NOTTO is a National level organization established under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• Function: NOTTO functions as the 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.
• Policy Guidelines and Protocols:

oNetworking: NOTTO networks with similar regional and state-level organizations to streamline organ and tissue transplantation processes.

oDissemination of Information: NOTTO handles the dissemination of information to all concerned organizations, hospitals, and individuals involved in organ and tissue transplantation.

• About ID: It is mandatory for considering allocation of organs in case of deceased donor transplant, this ID in case of a living donor transplant, shall also be generated at the earliest, maximum within 48 hours after the transplant surgery is done

Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994

• Source of Transplants: A transplant can originate from a pool of organs donated by deceased persons' relatives or from a living person known to the recipient.
• Living Donations Under the Act: The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 permits living donations, primarily from close relatives like parents, siblings, children, spouse, grandparents, and grandchildren.
• Documentation for Living Donations: In cases of living donations from close relatives, whether Indian or foreign, various documents including identity proofs, family tree, pictures, and documents proving the donor-recipient relationship must be submitted.

o An external committee thoroughly examines such cases to prevent illegal dealings.

• Penalties: Imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines up to Rs 1 crore.