Dr Santy Sajan, Group Chief Operating Officer, Paras Health highlights that the shortage of organs for transplantation in India is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The government, healthcare organisations, and individuals must work together to raise awareness, strengthen infrastructure, and encourage organ donation
The issue of organ shortage in India today is a grave concern that needs immediate attention. The demand for organ transplantation has seen a significant rise globally, driven by the increased prevalence of vital organ failure and advancements in post-transplant care. However, this increased demand has also highlighted the severe shortage of suitable organs available for transplant. In India, the gap between the number of patients in need of organ transplants and the availability of organs is alarming. According to the National Organ Transplant Programme, around 1.8 lakh individuals experience renal failure each year, but only 6000 renal transplants are performed. Similarly, liver failure or liver cancer affects an estimated 2 lakh patients annually, with only about 1500 liver transplants being carried out, leaving a substantial number of patients without suitable treatment options. Heart transplants face an even more dire situation, as approximately 50,000 individuals face heart failure each year, yet only 10 to 15 heart transplants are conducted in India annually. Corneal transplants also face a significant demand-supply gap, with the demand standing at 1 lakh per year and only about 25,000 transplants being performed annually. [1]
Aside from the unavailability of the organs, only 16,000 people are registered with the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Association in India, which is far from sufficient to meet the demand. It is important to note that a single organ donor can potentially benefit up to 50 individuals. In India, the need for organs is staggering, with the country requiring around 2,00,000 kidneys, 1,00,000 corneas, and 50,000 hearts annually. [2] There is a need for increased awareness and encouragement among people to register as donors to help bridge this significant gap.
In light of addressing this shortage, the Government of India has taken significant measures of which implementation of the National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP) is one of them. NOTP is a national-level organisation which focuses on enhancing organ retrieval and transplant facilities, strengthening organ procurement organisations, and raising public awareness about organ donation. The programme also emphasises the mandatory appointment of transplant coordinators in registered hospitals and the creation of the National Human Organs and Tissues Removal and Storage Network and the National Registry for Transplant.
In addition to this, the government has also set up various agencies which work towards ensuring the availability of organs when patients need them. The agencies include – National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) serves as the national coordinating body, overseeing organ procurement and distribution across the country, Regional Organ, and Tissue Transplant Organizations (ROTTOs) which operates at the regional level, and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (SOTTOs) which functions at the state level. Aside from that, there is an Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) which further specialise in the identification and retrieval of organs from deceased donors. The transplant centres and hospitals also play a very significant role in actively participating in the organ donation and transplantation process, working in collaboration with these agencies to identify suitable candidates, perform surgeries, and provide post-transplant care.
While these organisations play a crucial role in procurement and coordination, hospitals and transplant centres also have a significant impact on the success of organ transplantation. This requires strict adherence to precautions and best practices. Hospitals must maintain hygiene protocols to prevent infections, utilise proper preservation techniques during organ storage and transportation, implement advanced monitoring systems to ensure optimal organ conditions, ensure compatibility between donors and recipients to minimise rejection risks and follow standardised surgical procedures during transplantation. Effective communication and coordination among the medical teams involved are also essential to ensure the safe and successful transfer of organs and improve overall transplantation outcomes.
Additionally, hospitals have the responsibility of educating the public through awareness campaigns, dispelling myths about organ donation, and encouraging more pledges. Beyond the transplantation procedure, hospitals also take follow-ups with recipients, providing necessary care and removing stigma. Through communication and support, they build trust among patients and families. Moreover, hospitals contribute to research and clinical trials, leading to advancements in transplantation techniques and post-transplant care. As thought leaders, they shape public perception and drive more people to become organ donors. By actively participating in initiatives, hospitals make a lasting impact, saving lives, and improving the quality of life for those in need of organ transplants.
The organ transplantation process faces several challenges. The scarcity of organs remains a significant obstacle, alongside inadequate public awareness and misconceptions about organ donation, maintenance of standards in transplantation and tissue banking, legal and ethical complexities, logistical issues related to organ transportation, and the need for a well-coordinated infrastructure to facilitate timely transplantation. Therefore, to tackle the national-level challenge of organ shortage, a comprehensive approach is required which includes – sustained awareness campaigns at the grassroots level to educate the public about the importance of organ donation and dispel misconceptions, streamlining of policies and regulations to establish a transparent and efficient organ allocation system, collaboration between hospitals, healthcare organisations, and government agencies to create a robust infrastructure for organ retrieval, transportation, and transplantation, encouraging more medical professionals to specialise in transplantation and increasing the number of transplant centres across the country to help meet the growing demand for organs. Lastly, encouraging individuals to come forward and pledge to donate their organs can help save numerous lives.
In conclusion, the shortage of organs for transplantation in India is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The government, healthcare organisations, and individuals must work together to raise awareness, strengthen infrastructure, and encourage organ donation. By taking collective action, we can bridge the gap between the demand and supply of organs, ultimately saving countless lives.
Reference:
[1] https://dghs.gov.in/content/1353_3_NationalOrganTransplantProgramme.aspx
[2] https://www.parashospitals.com/press-releases/15-doctors-from-paras-hospital-gurgaon-pledge-to-donate-organs
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