The central government has made some major changes in the policy and rules related to organ donation. Important among these is the removal of the age limit for receiving another person's organ. Those over 65 were barred from receiving organs. This condition has been removed under the new policy. With this, it will be possible for senior citizens to extend their life by receiving organs.

Since organ donation has come to be considered as a great virtue, many patients in the country are getting a new lease on life. Many people are now coming forward to give consent for posthumous organ donation without persuasion. The organs of many patients who have suffered brain death have become the reason for many people returning to a normal life. With the change in the existing policy, hereafter patients above 65 years of age will also be eligible for an organ transplant on a priority basis. Registration fee for organ transplants is also waived. They have also been given the opportunity to approach hospitals anywhere in the country for an organ transplant. At present, the registration for this was limited to the respective state.

The reason for the rise in organ transplants in the state is the increased awareness among people about organ donation. In 2013, the number of surgeries was around 5000. By last year, it had increased to 15,556. Of these, 11,423 were for kidney transplants. These figures highlight the prevalence of kidney disease. Changes in the lifestyle and food habits of the Malayalis are easily inviting lifestyle diseases. According to the amendment in the rules for post-mortem organ donation, priority will now be given to senior citizens, but first priority will be given to youth. This decision is based on the calculation that it will be a great loss to the family and the country to catch the disease and leave the world at a young age. Anyone over the age of 18 can give consent for posthumous organ donation. There needs to be more awareness on this issue. Through the pious act of organ donation, many lives can be brought back to health from the sickbeds. To make it possible, there should be collective efforts of those working in the service field.

In Kerala, more than 3000 people are registered and waiting for various organs in Mrithasanjeevani. Out of this 2269 people are waiting for a kidney. Liver patients come next. 782 people are registered for a liver transplant. There are even those, who are waiting for another heart. Patients queue up for every possible organ transplant.

It is hoped that the newly introduced changes in organ donation rules will create hopeful reflections. It would be great if more publicity could be given to post-mortem organ transplantation. Only if society changes its thinking, the perceptions and narrowness on this subject can be changed at least gradually. A national portal is also coming up to facilitate organ transplants. Patients can register in it from anywhere in the country. You will have the opportunity to choose the hospital of your choice and go there to receive the organ.