Lawful Living Kidney Donation — Your Rights, Your Options
We are a NOTTO-registered transplant centre authorised to accept living kidney donations. We help you understand the legal framework under THOTA 1994, your rights as a donor, and the donation pathway — all compliant with Indian law.
Your Legal Rights as a Prospective Donor
Informed Consent
Full disclosure of risks, benefits and alternatives before any evaluation begins.
Independent Evaluation
Medical, surgical and psychological assessment by a team not involved in the recipient's care.
Right to Withdraw
At any point before surgery, without pressure or consequence.
Expense Reimbursement
Actual costs (travel, stay, lost wages, medical) per THOTA Sections 3, 9, 19.
Post-Donation Care
Lifelong follow-up; priority on the transplant waiting list if ever needed.
Confidentiality
DPDP Act 2023 compliant data handling — your medical data is protected.
Legal Protection
THOTA criminalises organ trade; donors are protected from coercion.
Authorisation Committee
Non-near-relative donations require State Committee approval proving no payment.
Your Donation Options
| Option | Eligibility | Authorisation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Near-Relative Living Donation | Spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandparents, grandchildren | Hospital ethics committee + medical evaluation |
| Non-Near-Relative Living Donation | Friends, distant relatives, altruistic strangers | State Authorisation Committee (must prove affection, no payment) |
| Paired / Swap Donation | Incompatible donor-recipient pairs | NOTTO coordination + hospital ethics committees |
| Deceased Donor Waitlist | Medically suitable recipients | NOTTO state organ-sharing network registration |
Expense Reimbursement (THOTA Sections 3, 9, 19)
There is no financial compensation, "gain," or profit for donating a kidney. The law permits only reimbursement of actual verifiable expenses incurred:
- Travel expenses (to and from hospital for evaluation, surgery and follow-up)
- Accommodation for the donor and one attendant
- Lost wages (documented, for the recovery period)
- Medical costs related to donation (pre-op, surgery, post-op, medications)
All reimbursements require documentation. The hospital ethics committee reviews and approves each claim.
The Donor Evaluation Process
Initial Inquiry
Contact our team via WhatsApp or the form. We answer questions and explain the process.
Preliminary Screening
Blood group, basic health history and motivation assessment.
Comprehensive Medical Evaluation
GFR, HLA, imaging (CT/MRI), cardiac, pulmonary and infectious-disease screening per KDIGO 2024.
Surgical Assessment
Anatomy evaluation (CT angiography) and surgical planning (laparoscopic versus open).
Psychological Evaluation
Independent psychiatrist assessment — ensuring a voluntary, informed decision without coercion.
Ethics Committee Review
The hospital committee reviews the complete file; the State Authorisation Committee is involved for non-near-relatives.
Surgery & Recovery
Typically laparoscopic nephrectomy; a 3–5 day hospital stay; 4–6 weeks of recovery.
Lifelong Follow-Up
Annual creatinine, eGFR, blood pressure and proteinuria monitoring; priority waitlist status if ever needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is living kidney donation?
- Living kidney donation is when a healthy person gives one of their kidneys to someone who needs a transplant. A person can generally live with one healthy kidney, but every prospective donor must complete a detailed medical assessment before donation is considered.
- Who can become a kidney donor?
- Not everyone who wishes to donate will be medically suitable. Prospective donors are assessed individually. Overall health, kidney function, medical history, blood pressure and other conditions may all be considered by the transplant team.
- Can I donate a kidney to a family member?
- Possibly. Living kidney donation may be possible between relatives, partners, friends or other suitable donors. Both donor and recipient must complete the appropriate medical and compatibility assessments.
- Can I donate to someone I do not know?
- Some donation systems allow non-directed living donation. The rules vary by country and programme. Speak with an authorised transplant centre to understand the options open to you.
- What tests are required before donating a kidney?
- The evaluation can include blood tests, urine tests, blood-pressure measurements, kidney-function tests, imaging scans and other assessments. Prospective donors may also receive psychological or social evaluation as part of the process.
- What happens if I am not a match?
- If a donor is not directly compatible with the intended recipient, the transplant team may discuss other options. Depending on the country and programme, kidney paired donation may be one possibility.
- How is kidney donation surgery performed?
- Kidney removal from a living donor is performed by a specialist surgical team. Many centres use minimally invasive or keyhole techniques, although the exact procedure depends on the donor and the centre.
- How long does recovery take after kidney donation?
- Recovery varies from person to person and depends on the surgical approach, general health and individual circumstances. Your transplant team will give personalised guidance on returning to normal activity, work and exercise.
- Can I live normally with one kidney?
- Many people live healthy, active lives with one functioning kidney. Even so, living donation is a major medical decision and requires proper assessment and long-term follow-up.
- What are the risks of donating a kidney?
- Kidney donation is major surgery and, like other operations, carries potential risks — including surgical complications, infection, pain and other medical risks. Your transplant team should explain the risks and benefits for your individual health.
- Will I need medical follow-up after donating?
- Yes. Follow-up care is an important part of living kidney donation. Your team will guide you on monitoring your health and kidney function after donation.
- Can I change my mind about donating?
- A prospective donor should proceed only voluntarily and with proper information and support. If you have concerns or no longer wish to donate, speak privately with your donor coordinator or transplant team.
- Does this site decide whether I can donate?
- No. Donor eligibility must be determined by a qualified transplant medical team. This site provides information and helps people understand the donation journey; medical decisions rest with qualified healthcare professionals.
- How can I start the kidney donation process?
- Start by speaking with an authorised transplant centre or living-donor coordinator. They can explain the process, eligibility requirements, medical assessment and next steps for your situation.
Ready to Learn More?
Start your donation inquiry today. Our team will guide you through every step — confidentially and at your pace.