National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)

  • 24 Feb 2026

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In News:

India has recorded unprecedented progress in organ donation and transplantation:

  • Transplants increased fourfold:
    • < 5,000 (2013) → ~20,000 (2025)
  • 18% of transplants now from deceased donors.
  • 1,200 families donated organs of loved ones in 2025.
  • 4.8 lakh citizens registered for posthumous organ donation via Aadhaar-based verification system (since 17 September 2023).
  • India leads globally in hand transplants and performs the highest number worldwide.
  • High competence in complex transplants: Heart, Lung, Pancreas.

About NOTTO

Establishment

  • Set up under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
  • Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • Located in New Delhi.
  • Mandated by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Act, 2011.

Organizational Structure

NOTTO comprises two divisions:

  1. National Human Organ and Tissue Removal and Storage Network
  2. National Biomaterial Centre

It functions as the apex coordinating centre for organ procurement, allocation, and data registry across India.

Core Functions

1. Coordination & Allocation

  • National-level coordination of organ procurement and distribution.
  • Facilitates inter-state sharing of organs.
  • Ensures equitable and transparent allocation.

2. National Registry

  • Maintains and publishes the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Registry.
  • Compiles data from States and Regions.
  • Maintains transplant surveillance and databank.

3. Policy & Protocols

  • Frames guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Aligns transplant systems with global best practices.

4. Capacity Building

  • Strengthens:
    • SOTTOs (State Organ & Tissue Transplant Organizations)
    • ROTTOs (Regional Organ & Tissue Transplant Organizations)
  • Assists States in data management and transplant monitoring.

5. Public Awareness

  • Promotes deceased organ donation.
  • Engages youth, institutions, Panchayati Raj Institutions.
  • Encourages multiorgan donation as a family choice.

Government Reforms Strengthening NOTTO

  • Real-time digital organ allocation system.
  • Expansion & modernization of National Registry.
  • Promotion of Green Corridors for rapid organ transport.
  • Aadhaar-based donor registration.
  • Enhanced hospital connectivity and digital integration.

These measures have reduced logistical barriers and improved clinical outcomes.