Overcoming Challenges of Deceased Organ Donation in Indian Private Hospitals

Abstract

Two facts emerge clearly from our endeavor. First, there are 2 types of hospitals in the country: those that believe in and carry out DOD and the others that do not. The laws are the same for all. What differs is the intent. Second, strategies toward awareness of an organization and implementing best practices can significantly impact rates of DOD. The impact of these strategies will become evident in months to years. Interventions, however, are not uniformly effective in all parts of the country. Hospitals located in Punjab and West Bengal continued to struggle despite organizational interest, a reflection of the fact that some states need to do more toward facilitating DOD. The number of donors seen at our hospitals may appear small at first glance; however, these are significant in the context of the low DOD rate nationwide. Moreover, it is the first donation, achieved in 13 hospitals, that is the most difficult and the one that breaks the ice. Low utilization of heart, lung, pancreas, and small bowel reflects the fact that the number of programs performing these transplants is still limited. Our data report on the first series of private hospitals with a structured program on OD. Hopefully, others will follow.