Union Health Ministry Issues Live Organ Transport Guidelines

07 Aug 2024

On 5th August, 2024, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has released new guidelines to streamline the transportation of live human organs, aiming to enhance efficiency and ensure timely delivery.

Key Points:

Guidelines Issued: The SOP mandates that organs can only be transported within the country and prohibits any export or import of organs.
Transport by Air: For air transport, the guidelines instruct that organ-containing boxes should be screened without being opened, and passengers carrying them must undergo security checks.
Priority for deboarding and in-flight announcements about the organ transport is recommended, with a green path and trolley provision from ambulance to aircraft and vice versa.
Priority Take-Off and Landing: Flight captains may request priority take-off and landing from Air Traffic Control and assist with in-flight announcements about the organ.
If an ambulance is allowed on the runway, airline crew will guide medical personnel to transfer the organ box directly.
Road Transport: When transporting organs by road, authorities can request a green corridor to expedite transit.
This process is triggered by the organ allocation authority (NOTTO or regional authorities) to minimize security concerns, with a nodal police officer managing coordination for green corridors.
Regulations for Railways and Metro: The guidelines also cover the transport of organs by railways and metro, detailing steps for accommodation, green corridors, and security arrangements to ensure the safe and efficient transfer of organs.
Security Measures: To combat illegal organ trade, the Health Ministry has directed States to improve data compilation of organ donors and enforce stricter controls.
Coordination and Compliance: Detailed procedures for the transport and transfer of organs have been issued for Defence personnel and traffic control authorities to prioritize and manage the transport of live organs effectively.