Centre Issues First-Ever Guidelines to Transport Human Organs

The Union Health Ministry has recently introduced its first-ever Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to facilitate the seamless transport of human organs, enhance coordination among various agencies, and improve the efficiency of organ transplants.

Key Features of SOPs

• Green Corridor: A “One Trigger System” allows organ allocation authorities to initiate the creation of green corridors for expedited transport.
• Modes of Transport: The guidelines cover transport by air, road, train, metro, and ports/waterways.

Transport Guidelines:

• Air Transport: Airlines can request priority take-off and landing and arrange front-row seats. Medical personnel may get priority reservations and late check-in provisions.
• Road Transport: A green corridor may be created to ensure unobstructed transport from the airport to the hospital.
• Train and Metro Transport: Priority transit is to be given, and security staff should escort and assist with the transport of organs.
• Port Transport: Specific protocols have been issued for organ transport through ports.

Implementation Protocols

Air Transport:

• Airlines must inform and communicate with destination airports to facilitate arrival processes.
• In-flight announcements may be made regarding the transport of human organs.
• Trolleys should be provided for moving the organ box from the aircraft to the ambulance.

Green Corridor:

• Defined as a route free from obstructions, arranged by the airport, police, and state traffic authorities.
• Nodal officers may be appointed to handle jurisdictional and security concerns.

Metro and Train Transport:

• Metro security should prioritize organ transport and escort clinical teams.
• Organ boxes should be properly secured and labelled.

Significance

• Maximization of Organ Utilization: Streamlining the transport process aims to increase the utilization of organs and offer hope to patients awaiting transplants.
• Coordination and Efficiency: The SOPs help coordinate among various agencies involved in the organ transport process.

Status of Organ Transplantation in India

• Statistics: In 2023, India recorded its highest number of organ transplants at 18,378.
• Gender Distribution: 63% of living donors were women; 30% of recipients were women.
• Global Ranking: India ranks third in the world for organ transplantation.

Challenges in Organ Transplantation

• Organ Donor Shortage: There is a significant gap between the number of patients needing transplants and available donors.
• Illegal Organ Trade: Issues with commercial transactions fueling illegal organ trade.
• Certification Issues: Low rates of brain stem death certification by hospitals.
• Ethical Concerns: Debates over surrogate decision-making and conflicts between end-of-life care and organ procurement.

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