Maharashtra eases norms for organ donors

The cabinet on Wednesday gave its consent to the amendments proposed by the centre on organ transplant.

As per this amendment, the grandparents, grandchildren and extended family members can play the role of donors for
any person.

As per the norms in the past, only the closest relatives of the person, that is, either the husband, wife, brother, sister, son or daughter would be considered acceptable as donors. Advanced medical technology and the growing demand for organ transplantations across the country forced the government to reconsider its earlier stand on the issue. 

Through the nine amendments, the definition of close relations has been extended to cover a larger number of donors. Under these amendments, transplant of cells, apart from the organs, has also been allowed.

However, the norms to stop the commercialisation of the organ transplantation process have been made stricter.

Social workers will also be roped in to monitor the process, so that the misuse of organ transplantation by medical staff as well as individuals can be prevented.