The concept of a “green corridor”, a designated rapid transit route for ambulances carrying organs for transplantation, recently came to light when a heart was transported from Pune to Chennai using this system. This innovative approach requires meticulous planning and organization, and the collaboration of the local police, traffic police, airport staff, and transplant coordinators.
Understanding Green Corridors
A green corridor is essentially a special road route that has been demarcated and cleared out to enable an unobstructed passage for ambulances. The primary purpose of these corridors is to transport retrieved organs intended for transplantation to the designated hospital. These green routes require substantial efforts from various stakeholders, including transplant coordinators, local law enforcement, traffic police, and airport personnel.
Moreover, raising public awareness about the implementation and importance of such green corridors also plays a crucial role in their successful operation. Quick and unrestricted movement through these passages ensures that the organs, which generally have a short preservation time, reach the destination within the shortest possible time, thereby avoiding any potential traffic congestion.
Procedure for Organ Retrieval and Transplantation
The process begins when a patient is declared brain-dead and their family gives consent for organ donation. Following this, the availability of a suitable recipient is first checked at various levels, starting from the city, moving to the state and region, and finally on a national scale. The establishment of a green corridor helps ensure the organ reaches the recipient without any unnecessary delays.
Role of National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)
The overall regulatory procedures and coordination required for a successful transplant are taken care of by NOTTO. Established under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this national-level organization operates from New Delhi. The state-level centers of NOTTO are known as State Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organisation (SOTTO).
NOTTO’s role involves coordinating and establishing a network for the procurement and distribution of organs and tissues following the guidelines laid out in the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011. The organization is in the process of developing a national registry of organ and tissue donors with the National Informatics Centre (NIC). This initiative aims to maintain a comprehensive data on all transplants conducted across the country and also has plans to map the post-transplant survival rate of patients.
The concept of green corridors and the role of organizations like NOTTO are crucial in ensuring the availability and timely transportation of organs for those in dire need. It is an example of how excellent coordination and planning can make a significant difference in healthcare.