Organ donation in India: Scarcity in abundance

Abstract

In modern era, India witnessed its first successful corneal, kidney and cardiac transplant in the year 1960, 1967 and 1994 though the reverberations for organ donation and transplantation (ODT) existed since time-memorial with roots existing in Hindu mythology along with vivid example of Guru Dadheech and lord Ganesha. No country in the world is able to meets its organ requirement. Government of India promulgated Transplantation of Human Organ and Tissues Act in 1994 and with the view to enlarge its scope and promote organ donation government has brought new amendments as of year 2014 and 2017. In the background of this journey many new developmental milestones have been achieved in the country however organ donation which has assumed public health significance has been consistently lower than expectations. This manuscript highlights the current status of ODT in the country; legislative environment, limitations, challenges, health education activities, and newer initiatives.