If you are planning for an organ transplant for a relative who is not very close to you; you may have to look for another donor who is closer. According to the newer rules for an organ transplant requires a person to be associated with the recipient for at least 10 years sharing the same kitchen and staying together.

You may also have to show photographs from the past that declare that you have been together in the past.

These norms were mentioned in the new draft of the Transplantation of Human Organ Rules, 2012, which were compiled by the Union Health Ministry in the consultation with several experts on August 30th. Unrelated donors may be questioned along with the members of his family in regard to proper awareness of the organ donation, intent to donate organ, the authenticity of the link between the recipient and donor and what was the reason behind donation.

The draft says any "strong views or disagreement or objection of such kin shall be recorded and taken note of." The draft further states that both the unrelated donor and the recipient might have to produce the income statement of the past three years too. If there is a major disparity between the two, it could be considered a commercial dealing.

A psychiatric evaluation to ensure that the person is not mentally challenged would also be necessary.

The director general of health services Dr Jagdish Prasad chaired a meeting with experts on August 30 to finalize the new rules that gives a big push to harvest organs from brain dead patients. He also expressed that he was not for the relation of the donor and the recipient to share a kitchen for 10 years or showing the pictures of them together and said that it would be changed. He mentioned that the recommendations would be soon made public in two months.

He added, "We are trying to make it easier for unrelated donors to donate organs like Singapore has done. However, we will ensure no commercial transactions take place for such organ donations."

(AW- Anil)