National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)

Context

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization has reported record progress in organ donation, allocation, and transplantation across India, marking a major milestone in the country’s transplant ecosystem.

About National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)

1. It is a national-level apex organisation established under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, headquartered in New Delhi.
2. Its establishment is mandated under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Act, 2011.
3. Organisational Structure: NOTTO has two divisions – National Human Organ and Tissue Removal and Storage Network and National Biomaterial Centre.
4. Role and Mandate: NOTTO functions as the apex coordinating centre for all-India activities related to procurement and distribution of organs and tissues and national registry of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
5. Its core objective is to enable safe, timely transplantation while maintaining a comprehensive national database.
6. Key Functions (National Level): NOTTO undertakes the following activities –
   1. Lays down policy guidelines and operational protocols
   2. Compiles and publishes registry data from States and regions
   3. Promotes awareness on deceased organ donation
   4. Coordinates organ and tissue procurement when allocation happens outside a region
   5. Disseminates information to hospitals, organisations, and stakeholders
   6. Monitors transplantation activities across States and maintains a central databank
   7. Assists States in:
      1. Data management
      2. Transplant surveillance
      3. Organ transplant registry
      4. Organ donor registry

Conclusion

NOTTO serves as the backbone of India’s organ transplantation system by integrating policy, coordination, registry management, and awareness. Its expanding role is critical for building a transparent, efficient, and equitable national transplant ecosystem.

FAQs

Q1. What is the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)? 

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization is India’s apex body for organ donation and transplantation, headquartered in New Delhi under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Q2. When was the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) established? 

It was set up under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Act, 2011.

Q3. What is the organisational structure of National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)? 

NOTTO has two divisions: National Human Organ and Tissue Removal & Storage Network and National Biomaterial Centre

Q4. What are the key functions of the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)? 

It lays down policy guidelines, compiles national registry data, promotes awareness on deceased organ donation, coordinates inter-state allocation, monitors transplantation activities, and assists States in registry and surveillance.

Q5. Why is the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) important? 

It integrates policy, coordination, and awareness to build a transparent, efficient, and equitable national transplant ecosystem, ensuring timely and safe organ allocation.