Anyone from a child to an old person. Even if you have had a serious illness in the past, you can still become a donor under the right circumstances.

No. The "Transplantation of Human Organs Act" prohibits any commercial dealings in organs and makes this a punishable offence..

Coma is a state of unconsciousness that occurs because the brain is injured in some way. The brain still functions and this can be seen in the tests that are performed. The person will be able to breathe on his own without the help of a respirator. The brain, in fact, may heal.

Brain death is death that results from total, irreversible loss of all brain functions, due to a severe head injury, illness or disease. A person's heart will still beat for a period of time after they become "brain dead". It is this relatively rare kind of death that makes organ donation possible. However, even when a machine (a ventilator) is breathing for the person, the time between brain death and the heart's stopping generally does not exceed 24 to 48 hours, so it is important for decisions to be made about organ donation before the heart stops beating.

Recipients are chosen on the grounds of need, longest waiting time and by blood group and if necessary, by tissue characteristics. There is a waiting list for organ transplants because demand exceeds supply.

Kidney Transplant - Rs. 3-5 Lakhs approx
Heart Transplant - Rs. 10 Lakhs approx
Liver Transplant - Rs. 15 - 20 Lakhs approx

Certain hospitals would bear the cost. Apparently some of the hospital pass the charges on to the recipients.

There are a few charitable and government funds available for patients needing transplants. The Foundation, through its Patient Support Group can help in guiding the patients to these institutions and help them in applying for these funds.

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