National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)

NOTTO has issued a 10-point advisory stating that women patients and relatives of deceased donors awaiting organ transplants will now receive priority as beneficiaries. NOTTO hopes to increase the overall equity in the system and enhance the fair distribution of organs.This move is aligned with India's ongoing efforts to ensure that organ donation and transplantation processes are inclusive, efficient, and conducted with fairness at every level

About National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)

NOTTO is a national-level organization established under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi. It was created under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Act of 2011.

Functions and Role:

1. Coordination of Organ and Tissue Procurement and Distribution:
   NOTTO acts as the apex center for coordinating the procurement and distribution of organs and tissues in India, ensuring that they are allocated to patients in need in the most efficient and ethical way possible.

2. Registry of Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation:
   It manages the National Registry for organ and tissue donations and transplants, collecting and publishing data on these activities across India.

3. Two Divisions:

   • National Human Organ and Tissue Removal and Storage Network: Coordinates the removal, storage, and transportation of organs.

   • National Biomaterial Centre: Works on the procurement and management of biomaterials used in organ transplantation.

4. Activities Facilitated by NOTTO:

   • Policy Guidelines and Protocols: It lays down policy and protocols to facilitate safe and efficient organ transplantation.

   • Awareness Campaigns: Promotes deceased organ donation and educates the public about the importance of organ donation.

   • Data Management and Monitoring: NOTTO maintains comprehensive data registries and monitors transplant activities across states, ensuring transparency and proper documentation.

   • Consultancy Services: Provides legal and non-legal consultancy related to organ donation and transplantation.

5. Collaboration with Regional and State Organizations:
   NOTTO works closely with regional and state-level organizations, creating a network to ensure smooth functioning and coordination across the country.

Key Activities at National Level:

1. Networking:
   Creating an efficient network for organ procurement and transplantation across India.

   Training:
   NOTTO organizes training programs for healthcare professionals to improve the quality of organ transplantation services.

   Monitoring and Surveillance:
   It monitors transplantation activities in various regions, ensuring that the process is transparent and that guidelines are followed.

   Organ Donation and Transplant Awareness:
   A major initiative of NOTTO is to raise awareness about the need for deceased organ donation and increase the number of voluntary donors.