Organ Donation Process: Critical Review in India

Abstract

Organ donation is one of the greatest achievements in medical field which has successfully saved the lives of several patients. The donors may donate six lifesaving organs i.e. intestine, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas and kidneys. The transplant of uterus is also performed, but it is not considered as a life-saving. Organs and tissues from a person declared legally dead can be donated after consent from the family has been obtained. The complex procedure needs the co-ordination/help of multiple transplant teams, which may help in successful retrieval of organs. This article reviews the different kinds of organ donors, evolution and present status of organ donation program in India, legal aspects of organ donation, process of pledging organs by a living person and the efforts taken to promote awareness about organ donation.