The court was addressing a plea from a kidney patient filed in 2020, who sought an organ donation and challenged the indecision and delay by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital regarding his kidney transplant. Unfortunately, the patient passed away in March-April 2021.
Earlier this year, the court reviewed the provisions of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, and directed that proper timelines be established to ensure timely processing of transplant applications received from patients.
The court noted that specific timelines have now been established for nearly all the steps undertaken by the Authorization Committee.
The court ordered that adequate publicity be given to the timelines and the latest order to ensure proper compliance by all concerned stakeholders, including hospitals and governmental authorities.
In its judgment dated January 4, the court observed that a time-bound approach is crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of organ transplantation protocols. This approach also furthers the right to health under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Counsel for Petitioners: Ms. Charu Aneja, Adv
Counsel for Respondents: Ms. Saroj Bidawat, Adv, Mr. Rishikesh Kumar, ASC (GNCTD) with Ms. Sheenu Priya, Mr. Atik Gill & Mr Sudeep Kumar Shukla, Advs. for GNCTD
Title: AMAR SINGH BHATIA & ANR. v. SIR GANGA RAM HOSPITAL & ORS.
