Telangana Adopts Human Organ Transplantation Act

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-03-27 08:49:07 |

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The Telangana Assembly recently adopted the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, aiming to regulate organ transplantation and prevent illegal commercial dealings in human organs. Previously, Telangana had its own legislation, the Telangana Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1995. However, the adoption of the Central Act, particularly its 2011 amendments, strengthens regulatory measures and aligns the state's laws with national standards.

The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, governs the removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs and tissues across India. It ensures ethical practices in organ donation and transplantation by defining the roles of healthcare providers and hospitals while establishing strict penalties for violations. The Act permits organ transplants from both deceased and living donors who are closely related to the recipient. Relatives such as parents, siblings, and spouses are allowed to donate, while altruistic donations from distant relatives or friends undergo rigorous scrutiny to prevent financial transactions.

For cases where donations come from unrelated individuals, stringent documentation is required to establish a long-term relationship with the recipient. An external committee evaluates these cases to ensure no illegal financial exchanges take place. To deter commercial exploitation of organ transplantation, the Act imposes severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines of up to ₹1 crore for offences such as offering payment for organs or facilitating illegal transactions.

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) was established under the Directorate General of Health Services to coordinate organ and tissue procurement and distribution across the country. It maintains a national registry for organ donations and transplants, playing a crucial role in ensuring transparency in the system. The 2014 rules mandate the formation of an Authorisation Committee responsible for verifying donor-recipient relationships and ensuring that no commercial transactions take place. This committee also facilitates expedited evaluations for critically ill patients in urgent need of transplants. Through these regulatory measures, Telangana and India as a whole aim to create a more ethical and transparent organ transplantation framework.

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