Though governments are increasingly funding (kidney) transplantation through special schemes, Kountz’s dream of transplantation for all those who need rather than those who afford is still a distant pipe dream for those at the bottom of social hierarchy.

The recent transplant of a pig’s heart into a man highlights the close connection between species

The absence of registries in India makes it challenging to provide a precise estimate of those developing end-stage organ failure and thus benefitting from transplantation.

Dr. Sanjay Nagral, Co-chair : Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group, speaks about ‘Transplant Coordination in India - The unique ethical challenges ‘

In any transplant, serious surgical complications are a possibility and the immunosuppressive drugs that are needed have side-effects and can predispose to deadly infections. So, when the transplant is not for a life-threatening condition, the benefits need to outweigh the risks.

Public hospitals must be brought into the loop for deceased donor programmes

India, with its history of organ trade rackets, should be cautious before proposing incentives that may be on the slippery slope towards organ commerce.