Organ Donation

Body Donation

Whole Body Donation (A REQUEST FOR DONATION)

Anatomy is the study of the human body - its structural components and their functions. It is one of the main subject in the MBBS curriculum and forms the foundation for the study of medicine. Apart from this, surgeons conduct training workshops for imparting knowledge on advanced operating techniques. New laparoscopic and surgical approaches are also demonstrated to junior doctors, which will benefit the ever-increasing number of patients. In this regard, body elevations are vital for training the doctors of tomorrow.

The need for donations is great and that, the gift will be honoured and valued by the medical fraternity. The body donation program at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh is committed to excellence in teaching and research. In our contact with the families of donors, we provide all relevant information and support regarding documentation. With this in mind, the following queries with answers will help clarify doubt in the minds of the donors and their family members.

Medical students need to study the cells, tissues and organs of the normal human body in order to understand the basis of various diseases and the changes produced in the body. This helps in prescribing appropriate treatment. Any person residing in Himachal Pradesh can opt for donation.

Please note that the donation of the body may not be accepted, if the donor has the following conditions: HIV, infective hepatitis, active tuberculosis, sepsis, gas gangrene, tetanus infection, putrefied bodies, COVID-19 positive, body after road traffic accident, medico-legal case or any other form of unnatural death. Such bodies are a serious health hazard to the medical students and the staff handling them.

Only persons who have died a "Natural death" due to old age, heart attack, stroke or non-infectious diseases can donate. Deaths by suicide or homicide or those occurring suddenly and unexpectedly, particularly in the young, are subject to police investigation and not accepted for donation. Those with injuries like burns are not suitable for donation.

The Department of Anatomy has a body donation program in which Anyone can register by filling up an application form, counter-signed by any 2-3 nearest relatives & person has to submit 2 passport size photographs. A self-declaration regarding the previous medical history of the donor also needs to be submitted. Based upon the suitability, a donor card will be issued, which can be kept in their wallet, in case of any eventuality.

The relatives are advised to come in their own conveyance and complete the official procedure of donation. If the donation is received at night, the donor's body is kept in the cold room and the formalities are completed on the next day.

On receiving the death certificate and a photocopy of the Aadhar certificate along with the application form, duly filled up by the relatives, a Certificate of donation is issued by the Department. This certificate is valid for all medicolegal and administrative purposes.

The body is infused with chemicals in a process known as Embalming. Thereafter, the body is dissected, examined and preserved for a substantial period, if required. Parts Of body (or) Organs can be removed from the body. Bodily fluids and tissues may be analysed. The donor gives permission for the above at the time of donation.

There are no charges for body donation

Contact for Body donation:
Control Room - [Mobile] 7018658001

Address: Department of Anatomy, B-02 Level, Academic Block, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh 174001

Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Click on the link given below to download the whole body donation form :
will-form.pdf PDF Icon | Date : 20/08/2025  | Language : English | Format : PDF | Size : 991.9 KB

Organ Donation

Kidney Transplantation:

A Journey of Hope and Healing

Kidney transplantation is one of the most advanced forms of renal replacement therapy available for patients with end-stage kidney disease. It offers not only a better quality of life but also improves longevity compared to long-term dialysis.

What is Kidney Transplantation?

A kidney transplant involves surgically placing a healthy kidney from a donor into a patient whose kidneys are no longer functioning. This donor kidney takes over the work of filtering waste and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, thereby eliminating the need for dialysis.

Types of Kidney Donors

1. Living Donor Transplantation

The donor is a healthy living person, often a close relative or near relative (father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, brother, sister, spouse, son, daughter). This is the preferred option due to better outcomes and shorter waiting times.

2. Deceased Donor Transplantation

The donor is a brain-dead individual whose family has consented to organ donation. Coordinated through national organ sharing registries.

Evaluation of Donors and Recipients

A successful transplant depends on meticulous pre-transplant evaluation of both the recipient and donor.

A. Recipient Evaluation
  • Medical Fitness
  • Detailed history and examination
  • Blood group (ABO) and Rh typing
  • Blood and urine tests (CBC, KFT, LFT, blood sugar, infection screening)
  • Cardiac and pulmonary assessments
  • Rule out active infections, recent malignancy, or other contraindications
  • Immunological Evaluation
  • HLA typing
  • Panel Reactive Antibody (PRA) testing
  • Crossmatch (CDC and/or flow cytometry)
  • Psychological Assessment
  • Emotional readiness and mental health evaluation
  • Counselling to ensure understanding of post-transplant care and responsibilities
B. Donor Evaluation
  • Medical Fitness
  • History and physical exam to exclude any renal disease, hypertension, diabetes, or hereditary conditions
  • Blood group and Rh typing
  • Blood and urine investigations
  • Imaging (Ultrasound, CT renal angiography, DTPA scan)
  • Assessment to ensure the remaining kidney will support normal function
  • Psychological Evaluation
  • Independent counselling to confirm voluntary and informed decision-making
  • Mental health support throughout the process
Legal Formalities – THOTA Compliance

We strictly adhere to the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), India:

  • Institutional Authorization Committee approval is given for all living donor transplants, in near relatives and State Authorization Approval is required in non-near relative transplant.
  • All documentation including proof of relationship, consent forms, and psychological evaluation are reviewed and submitted
  • The process is transparent and ensures the protection of both donor and recipient
The Transplant Surgery
  • Performed by an experienced multidisciplinary transplant team
  • Donor surgery is done laparoscopically in most cases, ensuring minimal pain and faster recovery
  • The donor kidney is implanted in the lower abdomen of the recipient and connected to their blood vessels and bladder
  • Average hospital stay: 2–3 days for donors, 7–10 days for recipients
Post-Transplant Follow-Up

The journey does not end with surgery. Post-transplant care is critical for long-term success:

  • Regular monitoring of kidney function (serum creatinine, urine output)
  • Surveillance for rejection, infections, and complications
  • Gradual tapering of medications while ensuring proper immunosuppressive coverage
Adherence and Compliance

Long-term graft success depends on:

  • Strict adherence to immunosuppressive medications life long (e.g., Tacrolimus, Mycophenolate, Prednisolone)
  • Regular follow-up visits as per schedule (Twice a week for 1 month, once a week for 2 months, fortnightly for 3 months and 3 monthly thereafter)
  • Lifestyle modifications: healthy diet, infection prevention, and avoidance of nephrotoxic substances
  • Emotional and social support, as stress and non-compliance can impact outcomes

Live-related kidney transplantation has been successfully initiated at AIIMS Bilaspur from October 2024, and deceased donor renal transplantation is expected to commence in the coming months.

A Message to the Community

If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic kidney disease, consult early. Timely referral for transplant evaluation can change lives. Also, consider becoming an organ donor—you could be someone’s miracle.