The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has issued a stern reminder to all registered hospitals regarding the mandatory reporting of Brain Stem Death (BSD) cases. This notice throws light on the persistent non-compliance, which is hindering crucial efforts to increase organ donation rates in India, currently alarmingly low at less than one donor per million population annually. This notice dated March 19, 2025 was published on March 24, 2025.
As per the provisions of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) 1994 and its accompanying Rules, it is a mandatory requirement for hospitals to identify every potential brain stem death case admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Furthermore, it is the duty of the attending doctor, with the assistance of the transplant coordinator, to inquire whether the potential donor had pledged to donate organs. If no pledge exists, the family members must be informed about the opportunity to donate organs before the heart stops.
NOTTO has expressed serious concern over the ongoing failure of hospitals to comply with the mandatory reporting of BSD cases, despite repeated requests. A previous communication, a D.O. letter dated April 2, 2024, specifically directed hospitals to submit a monthly proforma on BSD cases to the respective State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (SOTTOS) for onward transmission to NOTTO by the 7th of each subsequent month. This earlier directive also mandated the display of “Required Request Display Boards” in designated areas like ICUs and emergency wards to facilitate compliance with BSD certification and reporting.
In light of the continued non-compliance, NOTTO is now urging immediate and stringent action to enforce these crucial regulations. All registered hospitals are directed to:
- Implement rigorous protocols for the monitoring and certification of Brain Stem Death cases.
- Submit the monthly proforma on BSD cases to their respective SOTTOs for onward transmission to NOTTO by the 7th of each subsequent month.
Hospitals are reminded that non-compliance with these statutory provisions may attract penalties under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994.
For any assistance or clarification regarding Brain Stem Death reporting, hospitals can contact the NOTTO office through the following channels:
- Toll-free: 1800-11-4770
- Landline: 011-26164770
- Email: bsdreporting@gmail.com
NOTTO emphasizes the critical importance of timely and accurate BSD reporting as a fundamental step towards increasing organ donation rates and saving lives. The organization urges all registered hospitals to prioritize compliance with these essential regulations.
