Focus on Strengthening Organ Transplant Infrastructure
Hyderabad: In a significant step to enhance organ transplant services across Telangana, Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha held a high-level meeting with senior Health Department officials on Wednesday. The meeting focused on strengthening and expanding organ transplantation facilities in government hospitals throughout the State.
Expansion of Transplant Facilities
During the review, the Minister assessed the performance of the Jeevandan organ transplant programme, currently operational at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Gandhi Hospital, and Osmania General Hospital in Hyderabad. The Minister directed that organ transplant surgeries should also be conducted at MGM Hospital in Warangal and RIMS in Adilabad, thereby improving geographical access to such critical services.
Proposal for Organ Retrieval Centres at District Level
To further enhance infrastructure, the Minister instructed officials to prepare comprehensive proposals for setting up Organ Retrieval Centres at all district headquarters across Telangana. This move aims to increase the efficiency and reach of organ procurement and transplantation services.
New Central Legislation Widening Donor Pool
Officials informed the Minister about the recent Central legislation on organ donation, which now broadens the eligible donor pool by allowing grandparents to donate and receive organs. This legislative change is expected to significantly improve organ availability and transplant rates.
Emphasis on Organ Swapping System
Highlighting innovative solutions, the Minister emphasized the importance of implementing organ swapping. This system enables donor-recipient pairs from different families, who are medically incompatible with each other, to exchange organs, thereby ensuring that all patients receive suitable transplants.
Context: Record Organ Transplants in India
Medical Dialogues previously reported that over 18,900 organ transplants were performed in India in 2024, marking the highest number ever in a single year. Union Health Minister JP Nadda stated during the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day event, organized by NOTTO and the Ministry of Health, that the government is continuously working to streamline organ donation and transplant processes to benefit a larger number of citizens.
