National organ transplant body to be formed: Harsh Vardhan

Kochi: The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) will be formed by the Centre, union Minister for Science and Technology Harsha Vardhan said here on Tuesday.

Vardhan also inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Organ Transplantation at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences at a function organised here.

NOTTO will act as an apex centre for coordination and networking for procurement and distribution of organs and tissues, and registry of organ and tissue donation and transplant in the country," he said.

Amrita hospital was in the news recently for having successfully conducted two hand transplants for the first time in South Asia.

"This function is one of the most inspiring events that I have ever attended as the meeting exemplified the contribution of everyone in society to make the organ donation drive a success," added Vardhan.

Actor Mohanlal also attended the function.

"I have always been part of Amrita family and am very happy to be associated with the organ donation movement," said the superstar.