India achieved more than 15,000 transplants in a year for the first time; an annual increase of 27% in transplant numbers observed. NOTTO Scientific Dialogue 2023 laid emphasis on effective governance structures, rational and optimal utilization of technical resources and enhanced awareness to promote organ donation.
National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) Scientific Dialogue 2023 was organised on 19th February 2023 to bring all the stakeholders under one roof to brainstorm ideas about interventions and best practices in the organ and tissue transplant field that can be taken up for saving lives.
It was informed that the transplant activities post COVID has improved and for the first-time India achieved more than 15,000 transplants in a year (2022). There was an annual increase of 27% in transplant numbers. Three priority areas for actions are programmatic restructuring, communication strategy and skilling of professionals.
Though there are existing structures at various governance levels (NOTTO at national level, SOTTOs at state levels and ROTTOs at regional level) and guidelines in place, they need to be updated and ensured that they work as a well-oiled machinery while performing their mandate
Recent changes included updating guidelines. The domicile requirement is being done away with now. There is need of emphasis on the rational use of India’s technical manpower and training and channelizing them efficiently along with optimal utilization of physical infrastructure and equipment in tertiary care facilities.
In view of growing population of elderly, it is important to update communication and awareness strategy to promote the idea of organ donation among them.
Also, there is need for capacity building of medical institutions because transplant procedure remains specialised service limited to some hospitals only despite 640+ medical colleges & hospitals. and colleges, transplants remain a specialized service limited to some hospitals only. There is a need to expand the number of institutions where surgeries and transplants are undertaken.
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