L. S. Changsan inaugurates Chintan Shivir on organ donation and transplantation reforms

In her address, Ms. Changsan emphasized the importance of organ donation, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sentiments from his Mann Ki Baat program.

"Organ donation needs to become a way of life for us so that we can give a new lease of life to those suffering from organ failure," said Ms. L. S. Changsan, Additional Secretary of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as she inaugurated the Chintan Shivir on organ donation and transplantation reforms today. The event, focusing on necessary reforms in technology, processes, and legislation, marks a significant step towards improving organ donation and transplantation in India.

In her address, Ms. Changsan emphasized the importance of organ donation, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sentiments from his Mann Ki Baat program. "One person donating organs after death can save up to eight lives," she highlighted, stressing the urgent need to promote organ donations from deceased individuals to meet the country's growing demand.

Ms. Changsan also outlined the government's commitment to this cause, noting the adoption of the "One Nation, One Policy" approach for organ donation and transplantation. This policy is part of a broader strategy to enhance infrastructure and increase the availability of trained personnel in government institutions for organ transplantation. The ongoing Angdaan Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan, a nationwide organ donation awareness campaign, is one of the key initiatives under this policy.

Dr. Atul Goel, Director General Health Services (DGHS), acknowledged the leadership role of the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) in advancing organ and tissue transplants in India. He called the Chintan Shivir an "opportunity for introspection" and emphasized the need to encourage deceased donations alongside live donations in both government and private hospitals.

The two-day Chintan Shivir will delve into ten critical themes related to organ donation and transplantation, focusing on reforms that can improve the legal framework, technology, and overall ecosystem. Key objectives include:

Discussing necessary reforms to boost organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

Exploring technological advancements to improve organ donation and allocation processes.

Recommending legislative reforms to strengthen the legal framework governing organ donation and transplantation.

Creating an enabling environment for organ donation by improving existing technologies.

Sessions will cover various themes, including addressing legal loopholes, ensuring transparency, and making organ transplants more affordable, accessible, and equitable. Representatives from state governments, NGOs, organ transplant societies, and experts from government and private institutions are participating in the discussions, aiming to create a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing organ donation and transplantation in India.