ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION : NATIONAL

ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION :  NATIONAL

NEWS: In a first, Union Health Ministry issues guidelines for organ transport across the country

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

The Standard Operating Procedure lists guidelines for the transportation of live human organs from the point of their harvest to their destination, by various modes of transport

 

Transportation of Live Human Organs: Guidelines and Procedures

SOPs for Transporting Human Organs

  1. Purpose and Aim:
    • Maximize utilization of organs.
    • Provide a roadmap for organ retrieval and transplant institutions.
    • Ensure adherence to best practices and quality standards.
  2. Air Transport:
    • Airlines can request priority take-off and landing from Air Traffic Control.
    • Front-row seats can be arranged for medical personnel.
    • Priority reservation and late check-in for medical staff.
    • Source airport to inform destination airport for facilitating arrival.
    • Possible in-flight announcement of organ transport.
    • Trolleys for transporting organ boxes from aircraft to ambulance.
    • Green corridors defined for unobstructed transport from ambulance to aircraft.
  3. Ground Transport:
    • "Green corridors" for ambulances and other vehicles upon request.
    • "One Trigger System" to initiate organ transport with credible authorization.
    • Nodal police officers for handling green corridor logistics in each state/city.
    • Sensitization of state traffic police on the importance of organ transport.
  4. Metro Transport:
    • Metro Traffic Control to prioritize transit for organ transport.
    • Metro security to escort the clinical team and organ box.
    • Specific area cordoned off for organ box within the metro.
    • Security Hold Area (SHA) to facilitate smooth transit.
    • Correct positioning and securement of organ box with a seat belt.
  5. General Guidelines:
    • Essential protocols for road, train, and shipping transport.
    • Development in consultation with NITI Aayog, concerned ministries, and transplant professionals.
  6. Criticality and Coordination:
    • Transport of live organs is critical due to limited shelf life.
    • Requires coordination between various agencies.

 

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/in-a-first-union-health-ministry-issues-guidelines-for-organ-transport-across-the-country/article68491234.ece