A major reduction in the number of organ transplants required under Mritasanjeevini scheme. After 2016, the number of surgeries has decreased sharply. According to the authorities, the number of surgeries has decreased after the private person approached the court against the doctors and hospitals confirming brain death and sent continuous notices stating that legal action would be taken.
On the other hand, the government is not taking strong steps to support doctors and hospitals, say those working in the field. From 2012 to 2015, the number of organ transplants increased each year. 2012(22), 2013(88), 2014(156), 2015(218). The number of surgeries has decreased relatively since 2016. 199 organ transplants were performed in 2016. 2017(60), 2018(29), 2019(55), 2020(70), 2021(49), 2022(50). From 2012 to December 2022, 996 surgeries were performed.
Many patients in the state are waiting to get organs. 2,246 people are waiting for a kidney, 755 for a liver and 51 for a heart. However, this year only 22 people could donate a kidney. 11 received liver and 6 received heart. In 2015, when the highest number of organ transplants were performed, 132 people underwent kidney transplant. 44 livers and 6 hearts were transplanted.
Those related to the Mrita Sanjeevani project say that since 2016, private individuals have started legal proceedings against doctors and hospitals. His complaint is that in case of brain death certificates are given in a wrong way. The High Court rejected these arguments. The case is currently pending in the Supreme Court. An expert committee of 4 doctors not involved in organ transplant surgery issues a certificate of brain death after examinations.
It should be checked 2 times at an interval of 6 hours. In 2020, the Kerala government issued guidelines for this. Doctors, including those from the neuro field, conduct this test during their busy schedule. Authorities point out that most doctors are not interested in getting involved in the process of issuing certificates due to pressure.