The Legal Framework: THOA
Organ transplants in India are governed strictly by the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA). This law ensures that all transplants are performed ethically, preventing any commercial dealings in organs.
The Role of the Authorization Committee
Every foreign patient undergoing a transplant must receive clearance from the hospital's State Authorization Committee. The committee verifies that the donor is a close relative and that there is no financial transaction involved.
Approved Close Relatives
Under Indian law, close relatives include spouses, parents, siblings, children, grandparents, and grandchildren. If the donor is not a close relative, special permission is required, which is rarely granted for international patients.