India Launches First National Hand Transplant Registry

In September 2024, India established its first registry for patients in need of hand transplants, aimed at facilitating the transparent and priority-based allocation of donated hands.

Key Points

National Registry Set Up by NOTTO: The registry is managed by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) under the Union Health Ministry, marking a significant step towards streamlining hand donations and transplants.
Boost to Donation and Utilisation: Dr. Subramania Iyer, who led India's first hand transplant in 2015, emphasized that the registry will boost both hand donations and the proper utilization of donated hands across the country.
Registration Process Explained: Hand transplant patients will now be registered under the “bone” category in NOTTO's web portal. All states and Union Territories have been informed to comply with the new system.
Growing Demand for Hand Transplants: Hand transplants are on the rise, with nine hospitals in India currently registered to perform the procedure. Since 2015, 36 patients have received 67 transplanted hands.
Enhancing the National Allocation Process: The registry is expected to improve the allocation process, making it easier to transfer donated hands across the country and match them with recipients.