Guide · 8 min read
Living Kidney Donation: What Donors and Families Should Know
Who can donate a kidney in India, what the evaluation involves, and the safeguards that protect donors.
Living donation is when a healthy person gives one of their two kidneys to someone with kidney failure. People live full, healthy lives with a single kidney.
Who can donate
- ✓Near relatives under THOTA — spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandparents
- ✓Non-relatives only after State Authorisation Committee approval proving the donation is altruistic
The evaluation
Donors undergo a thorough medical, surgical and psychological work-up, independent of the recipient's care, including blood group and HLA matching, kidney function, and heart checks.
Surgery and recovery
Donor surgery is usually minimally invasive. Most donors leave hospital within a few days and return to normal activity within weeks, with lifelong routine follow-up.
Voluntary and unpaid
Donation must be voluntary. Only actual expense reimbursement is permitted under THOTA — no payment for the organ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kidney donation safe?
Yes, at accredited centres living donation has a strong safety record. The remaining kidney grows and compensates.
Can a spouse donate?
Yes, spouses are recognised near relatives under THOTA and commonly donate after compatibility testing.
Sources
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This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor about your specific condition.