National Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organization (NOTTO)
Context: The national regulator overseeing organ allocation and transplantation is working to develop a “more dynamic” real-time portal to register patients in need of organs and donors, track the allocation process, grant approvals, and monitor the outcome.
Important Pointers:
► Established under: Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India ► Headquarters: New Delhi
► Mandate: Apex body for coordination, networking, and registry of organ and tissue donation and transplantation in India
► Legal Framework: Functions under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994, amended in 2011
► Key Roles and Functions: ▪ Maintain the National Registry of organ and tissue donors and recipients ▪ Coordinate procurement and allocation of organs at the national level ▪ Frame standard operating procedures (SOPs) for organ transplant processes ▪ Promote awareness, capacity building, and training regarding organ donation ▪ Monitor organ transplant activities to ensure ethical practices
► Structure: ▪ National Level: NOTTO ▪ Regional Level: ROTTO (Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization) ▪ State Level: SOTTO (State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization)
► Key Initiatives: ▪ Maintains National Organ and Tissue Transplant Registry (NOTTR) ▪ Runs 24x7 National Organ Donation Helpline – 1800 11 4770 ▪ Celebrates Indian Organ Donation Day annually to raise awareness