Maharashtra To Convert All Govt Hospitals Into Organ Retrieval Centres To Boost Donations

Mumbai: To promote organ donation, the state government has launched a series of initiatives, including the conversion of all district and sub-district government hospitals into non-transplant organ retrieval centres. These hospitals will now be equipped to retrieve organs from braindead patients. The State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) will also spearhead awareness campaigns at these facilities.

Senior officials from the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) and SOTTO (West Zone) stated that the number of patients awaiting organ transplants is steadily increasing, with over 9,000 currently on the waiting list. In response, the state health department has issued a directive to develop organ retrieval capabilities at all government hospitals across the state.

Noting that most accident victims are brought to government hospitals, officials emphasised the need to strengthen organ donation infrastructure in rural and semi-urban hospitals as well.

To support this initiative, an online training module has been developed to educate healthcare workers on organ donation procedures. Additionally, awareness quiz competitions were held for MBBS, postgraduate, and nursing students, with more than 100 participants. Banners and posters highlighting the importance of organ donation have also been put up at various hospitals.

Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has directed the department to observe ‘Organ Donation Fortnight from August 3 to 15. During this fortnight, ROTTOSOTTO is organising a statewide campaign to raise awareness.