New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has requested the ministries of External Affairs and
Home Affairs to inform foreign nationals visiting India for organ transplants about the
country’s guidelines and legal requirements. In a letter, Union Health Secretary Apurva
Chandra emphasized that India is a top destination for organ transplants due to its world-class
healthcare facilities and skilled medical professionals.
Chandra highlighted the importance of ensuring foreign nationals understand the regulations
governing organ transplantation in India. To address this, the Health Ministry has prepared
informational messages and creatives to be displayed on the websites of the Bureau of
Immigration, airports, and the Ministry of External Affairs, as well as Indian embassies and
missions abroad.
The messages indicate that foreign nationals require prior approval from the authorization
committee before organ or tissue transplants. Additionally, an Indian living donor cannot
donate organs to a foreign recipient unless they are a close relative. A senior official from the
foreign national’s embassy in India must certify the donor-recipient relationship. If there is no
embassy, the government of the donor’s country must issue the certificate.
Foreign patients needing organs from deceased donors can register through their treating
hospital in India and be added to the waiting list. However, they will only receive organs if no
Indian patient is available.
In April, Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), urged all states and
UTs to regularly share data on all transplant cases, including those involving foreigners, with
the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO). He also called for
monitoring and investigating any violations, especially in light of media reports on
commercial dealings in organs involving foreign citizens. Hospitals found engaging in illegal
activities could face suspension of their transplant registration.
