In western countries like the US, the laws are not tough and India should follow some of their provisions, says Vice President of 'Donate Life' Sandeep Kumar.
"There is an urgent need to change the laws related with human organs transplant. They are very restrictive in nature," said Kumar, who is also a 1989-batch IRS officer.
The current law allows organ donations from a 'near relative', which it defines as spouse, son, daughter, father, mother, brother or sister.
Among the states, Gujarat wanted some inputs. "We have recommended them to expand the definition of 'near relative' and include friends, brother-in-law, sister-in-law and other relatives, he said.
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People, who need vital organs such as kidney, liver, eyes, are in lakhs but due to strict laws, people are very reluctant to donate organs, Kumar said, whose organisation has been trying to create awareness.
"There is very low willingness among people to donate organs also because of low awareness. Cost of such transplants are also very high. It ranges between Rs 3 to Rs 3.5 lakh for kidney. Government should look at ways to reduce the cost," he added.