AP Assembly Clears Bill to Transform Organ Donation and Transplantation System

Andhra Pradesh has taken a significant step towards strengthening its organ-donation and transplantation system, with the State Assembly passing the Human Organ Transplantation Amendment Bill-2026 amid a growing gap between patients awaiting organs and the availability of donors. The legislation expands family eligibility for donation, permits swap transplantation in certain cases, introduces stronger hospital-level coordination and proposes tougher punishment for illegal organ trade.

Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said around 5,920 people are currently waiting for organ transplants in the state, including nearly 3,000 kidney patients, 2,000 liver patients and about 100 heart patients. The waiting list ranges from one-month-old infants to 90-year-olds, with around 40 children below 10 also awaiting organs.

The government has also proposed increasing financial assistance for families of brain-dead organ donors from ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh. Yadav said the proposal has been sent to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Families currently receive ₹10,000, while donors' last rites are performed with state honours. The government is also considering outsourcing or contract employment for eligible members of donor families based on their financial circumstances.

A major change under the Bill is the expansion of the definition of close relatives eligible for organ donation. Besides spouses, parents, children and siblings, grandparents and maternal uncles and aunts will also be recognised. The legislation also permits swap donation in specified circumstances, potentially helping patients whose willing family donors are medically incompatible.

The Bill proposes stringent action against illegal transplantation and organ trafficking. Illegal removal of an organ could attract up to 10 years' imprisonment and a ₹20 lakh fine, while illegal organ trade could result in five to 10 years in prison and fines ranging from ₹20 lakh to ₹1 crore. Strict provisions have also been proposed against illegal purchase, sale and brokering.

The government plans to appoint special personnel at recognised hospitals to coordinate donations, maintain donor-recipient details and monitor transplantation. Organ retrieval after cardiac death will be permitted under specified medical conditions, while strict restrictions will apply to organ and tissue retrieval from minors. Donations involving foreigners will require special permission.

Andhra Pradesh's transplant network is already expanding. The number of transplant centres has increased from three to nine, while the government plans to develop 12 teaching hospitals as transplant centres. The system also includes a substantial private-sector component, with a 2026 court record noting nine government-run centres and 71 private-sector centres.

The state has recorded steady growth in donations and transplants from 41 donors and 126 transplants in 2023 to 66 donors and 210 transplants in 2024, and 93 donors and 300 transplants in 2025. This year, 74 donors have already contributed to more than 200 transplants, with the government targeting over 100 donors and 400 transplants by year-end.

The Jeevandan programme and organisations such as MOHAN Foundation also play important roles in coordination, counselling and awareness. If effectively implemented, the new Bill could bring government hospitals, private transplant centres, NGOs and donor families into a more integrated ecosystem potentially making Andhra Pradesh a stronger model for organ donation and transplantation in India.