Telangana plans policy overhaul on organ transplants, seeks price control in private hospitals

Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha on Tuesday held a review meeting with management of private hospitals to discuss policy measures related to organ transplantation and regulation of clinical establishments in Telangana.

The meeting focused on the formulation of a policy framework under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) and the implementation of the Clinical Establishments Act (CEA) in the State. 

The Minister directed officials to simplify procedures and guidelines related to organ donation in order to encourage more people to come forward as donors. An action plan should be prepared to position Telangana as a model State in organ transplant treatment and organ donation management, he said.

Discussions were also held on the need to formulate a comprehensive policy to ensure the effective implementation of the organ donation law in the State. The minister expressed displeasure over the pricing of organ transplant procedures in private hospitals and advised hospital managements to introduce price controls so that such treatments remain affordable for the general public.

The Minister also directed hospitals to take measures to ensure that donated organs are utilised effectively and not wasted. He asked officials to frame new guidelines for patients travelling from other countries to undergo organ transplant procedures in Telangana.

Reviewing the implementation of the Clinical Establishment Act in Telangana, the minister instructed officials to take steps to ensure effective enforcement of the law across private hospitals in the State.

Medical expenses in private hospitals should not become an undue financial burden on patients, he said, adding that the government has initiated an action plan to regulate tariffs charged for medical treatments.