What happens after you apply for an organ transplant?
From medical evaluation and registry enrolment to waitlist priority, organ matching, surgery and lifelong follow-up, the transplant process in India involves multiple clinical, regulatory and coordination stages before a patient receives an organ.
Once a patient decides to pursue an organ transplant, the medical evaluation begins at a licensed transplant center. Physicians assess the patient's overall health, the extent of organ damage, and whether transplantation is medically appropriate. This initial assessment may involve a review of the patient's medical history, physical examination, blood and tissue tests, imaging, infection screening, and evaluation of any underlying conditions.
Eligibility is determined based on factors such as overall health, extent of organ failure, surgical suitability, likelihood of benefiting from transplantation, and ability to adhere to post-transplant treatment regimens.
Upon acceptance into the transplant program, the patient's details are entered into the relevant transplant registry and waiting list. The waiting period can vary significantly, ranging from a few days to several years. While being on the waiting list, patients are categorized according to medical criteria, with urgent cases typically receiving priority.
A transplant waiting list is not a simple queue; it is organized by medical criteria, with regular and urgent categories, and priority varies depending on the organ involved. For instance, kidney transplant recipients are often evaluated based on time spent on regular dialysis, while other organs have different criteria for prioritization.
In India, the process is managed through a network involving the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), regional and state-level bodies, registered transplant hospitals, and transplant coordinators. In 2025, nearly 20,000 organ transplants were recorded in the country, a significant increase from fewer than 5,000 in 2013. Over 1,200 families donated organs of their loved ones in 2025.
When an organ becomes available, a rapid and coordinated effort begins. If the organ is from a deceased donor, the transplant coordinator will counsel the family and obtain permission for organ donation. In India, it is crucial to engage in open communication with the next of kin about the decision to donate. The retrieved organ is assessed for compatibility with the recipient, taking into account blood group compatibility and cross-matching.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the recipient is re-evaluated and prepared for surgery. The surgical team is ready to proceed immediately once the donor organ arrives. Post-surgery, the recipient enters a period of recovery and long-term follow-up. Lifelong immunosuppressant treatments are required to prevent organ rejection, with monthly monitoring costs ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
