Organ transplantation programme: an overview of the present situation

An ever-increasing demand for organs for transplantation has failed to keep pace with their availability. Social, religious and legal restrictions on the one hand and technological developments on the other have further worsened the existing shortage of organs. A correct definition of the 'moment of death', a more humane approach in breaking the news of death to relatives and de-linking the request for donation from the announcement of death may all go a long way in enhancing organ donation and procurement for needy patients. In India, the Transplantation of Human Organs Act was passed in 1994 to regulate the removal of organs from the living as well as the dead. However, it has certain fallacies. This paper reviews the various criteria in use to define the 'moment of death' around the world and with reference both to the Transplantation of Human Organs Act 1994 and the urgent need for organ retrieval in the present day paucity of donors.