Question of the Day – NATIONAL ORGAN AND TISSUE TRANSPLANT ORGANISATION (NOTTO)
QOTD April 18,2026
With reference to the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), consider the following statements:
- It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- It maintains a national registry of organ and tissue donors and recipients.
- It directly performs organ transplant surgeries across India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
NOTTO operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as the apex body for transplantation activities.
Statement 2 is correct
It maintains a national database for organ donation and allocation.
Statement 3 is incorrect
NOTTO does not perform surgeries; it coordinates and regulates transplant activities.
Why in news–
The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation has been in news due to recent initiatives aimed at improving organ donation rates, streamlining transplant procedures, and promoting awareness about cadaveric donations in India. Policy discussions have also focused on ensuring transparency, equitable allocation of organs, and strengthening the national registry system.
News-NOTTO’s advisory on organ donation has troubling recommendations, say doctors and experts – The Hindu
There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.
Practice Questions (PQ)
PQ1.Consider the following statements:
- NOTTO coordinates the allocation and distribution of organs at the national level.
- It promotes awareness about organ donation in India.
- It has the power to enact laws related to organ transplantation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer : (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
NOTTO oversees organ allocation and coordination at the national level.
Statement 2 is correct
It undertakes awareness campaigns to promote organ donation.
Statement 3 is incorrect
Law-making is done by Parliament, not NOTTO.
PQ2. Consider the following statements:
- The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) governs organ transplantation in India.
- NOTTO is a statutory body created directly by an Act of Parliament.
- NOTTO works along with Regional and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
THOTA provides the legal framework for organ transplantation in India.
Statement 2 is incorrect
NOTTO is an apex coordinating body established under the Directorate General of Health Services, not a statutory body by itself.
Statement 3 is correct
It functions with ROTTOs and SOTTOs for coordination at different levels.
PQ3.Consider the following statements:
- Brain death certification is essential for cadaveric organ donation in India.
- NOTTO manages only living donor transplants and not cadaveric donations.
- Organ allocation through NOTTO is based on medical criteria and waiting lists.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Brain death must be certified before organs can be retrieved for cadaveric donation.
Statement 2 is incorrect
NOTTO manages both living and deceased donor transplant coordination.
Statement 3 is correct
Allocation follows transparent criteria such as urgency and waiting lists.
Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)
With reference to organ transplantation in India, consider the following statements:
- Brain death is legally recognized in India.
- Organ donation from living persons is allowed only among close relatives.
- The Transplantation of Human Organs Act regulates organ transplantation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct
Brain death is legally recognized under the transplantation law.
Statement 2 is incorrect
Living donation is allowed beyond close relatives with proper authorization.
Statement 3 is correct
The Act provides the legal framework for organ transplantation in India.
