On 6 November 2025, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025 to improve access to corneal transplantation services across India. The amendment forms part of the broader Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994, administered by NOTTO.
The mandatory requirement for clinical specular microscopes to assess donor endothelial health has been removed. This requirement was previously a significant barrier for smaller eye care centres. The revision is expected to increase the availability of corneal transplants by enabling more institutions to participate in donor cornea retrieval and transplantation.
The amendment aims to reduce operational challenges and encourage greater participation by eye care providers in national and regional corneal and tissue transplantation programs.
Applies to: Eye Care Centres, Corneal Transplant Programs
Read Official Notification