Telangana Adopts THOTA Act to Strengthen Organ Transplants and Medical Tourism
Hyderabad: The Telangana Assembly has adopted the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act-1994 (THOTA) to improve medical tourism, increase transparency, and prevent illegal organ trafficking.
Health Minister Damodara Rajanarsimha, who introduced the resolution, explained that the THOTA Act allows the transplantation of tissues in addition to organs. The Central Government implemented regulations for this Act in 2014, and it is already in effect in 24 states. Telangana has now become the 25th state to adopt it.
Under this law, apart from organs like the heart, kidney, and liver, tissues such as skin, bone marrow, blood vessels, and heart valves can also be transplanted. These can be collected from brain-dead donors and used for patients in need.
One significant feature of the Act is that grandparents can now donate organs to their grandchildren. This is especially important for children with genetic disorders who may require liver transplants. Similarly, grandchildren can also donate organs to their grandparents, potentially saving many lives.
The new rules impose stricter penalties for illegal organ trafficking. Previously, violations of organ transplantation laws resulted in a fine of Rs 5,000 and up to three years in jail. Now, offenders can face a fine of up to Rs 1 crore and a jail term of up to 10 years.
Earlier, only neurosurgeons and neurophysicians could declare brain death. However, the new rules allow physicians, surgeons, intensivists, and anesthetists to do so as well. This will help ensure that viable organs are not wasted and are instead used to save patients in need.
To further improve transparency, transplant coordinators will be appointed in every hospital. They will oversee brain death declarations, organ donations, organ procurement, and transplant procedures. Additionally, a government advisory committee will be set up to monitor organ donation and transplantation. The Minister also mentioned that organs collected from brain-dead donors in other states could be transplanted to patients in Telangana.
These measures aim to enhance the organ transplantation system, making it more efficient and accessible while preventing illegal practices.
