In a significant ruling, the Andhra Pradesh High Court spotlighted the State’s glaring deficit in organ transplant facilities, observing, “The issue raised in the present petition is quite important and relevant and highlights the lack of centres which cater to organ transplants in the State of Andhra Pradesh.”
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Ravi Cheemalapati directed the Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department to respond to a PIL pending since 2016, which emphasizes the shortage of both functional transplant centres and registered organ donors in the State.
The PIL was filed in 2016 by Gareeb Guide, a voluntary organisation, drawing attention to the absence of sufficient facilities for organ transplants across Andhra Pradesh. Counsel for the petitioner submitted that, of 80 teaching hospitals in the State, only 9 provide organ transplant services, and all of them are in the private sector. None of the government-run hospitals currently offers the facility.
The petition further stressed the alarming gap between patients in need and available donors. It noted that while thousands of people are waiting for organ transplants, only around 100 donors have been identified as willing to donate. The lack of donors was attributed to both the scarcity of functional transplant centres and the limited public awareness about organ donation, despite its life-saving potential.
While hearing the matter, the Bench observed that the PIL has remained unanswered by the State for almost nine years. The Government Pleader for the Medical & Health Department requested further time to submit a comprehensive reply addressing the issues highlighted in the petition.
The Court has now directed the State to submit its response, and the matter has been posted for further hearing on November 12, 2025.
Case Title: Gareeb Guide (voluntary Organization) Vs. State of Andhra Pradesh and Ors.
Case No.: WP(PIL) NO: 93 of 2016
Coram: Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur, Justice Ravi Cheemalapati
Advocate for Petitioner: Special Counsel D V Rao
Advocate for Respondent: Government Pleader
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