Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday announced that the government has implemented a series of measures to boost organ donations within the nation. Mandaviya made this statement during his address at the 13th Indian Organ Donation Day (IODD) event. The purpose of the ceremony was to commend families who chose to donate organs from their loved ones, raise awareness about posthumous organ donations, and acknowledge the efforts of medical professionals involved in organ transplantation by presenting them with awards.
Annual figure of organ donors in 2023 has surpassed 15,000
Mandaviya emphasized the profound significance of granting another individual the gift of life and stressed the importance of acknowledging the individuals involved in this noble endeavour. He said there is a substantial increase in organ donors, noting that while around 5,000 people volunteered as organ donors in 2013, the current annual figure has surpassed 15,000.
The minister highlighted key improvements in organ donation procedures, including an extension of the leave duration for organ donors from 30 to 60 days, the removal of age restrictions (previously set at 65 years), and enhanced streamlining of the organ donation process. He affirmed the government’s commitment to introducing additional policies and reforms to encourage organ donation across the nation.
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Mandaviya also commended the families of organ donors for their pivotal role in saving lives and urged others to raise awareness about organ donation. As part of the event, Mandaviya inaugurated the eCARe portal (e-clearance of afterlife remains) within the International Health division of the Health Ministry. This portal aims to facilitate and expedite the repatriation of human remains from various countries to India. Additionally, he unveiled an e-newsletter for the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO).
The ceremony was attended by Union Ministers of State for Health Ministry, Bharati Pravin Pawar and S.P. Singh Baghel, as well as Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian.
