The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has modified the rules governing organ and tissue transplantation, which will increase access to vision-restoring surgeries across the country. The revised Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which were notified on November 6, 2025, aim to increase access to corneal transplantation services, particularly in rural and semi-urban India.

The amendment, made under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act of 1994, helps the government achieve its goal of fostering fair access to organ and tissue transplant facilities. It strengthens the National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP), which coordinates organ and tissue donation activities across the nation. 

One significant change under the new standards is the removal of the requirement for clinical specular equipment in corneal transplantation centres. Following expert consultations and stakeholder talks, officials concluded that the law posed a significant obstacle to smaller and less resource-rich eye hospitals. By easing this criterion, the government hopes to encourage more hospitals to start or expand corneal transplant services, enhancing access for people who need them the most. 

Experts believe that this move has the potential to change India's eye health ecosystem. According to health statistics, corneal blindness is still one of the primary causes of visual impairment in the country, with thousands waiting for donor corneas each year. Many of these patients live in tiny villages with limited access to advanced equipment and infrastructure. The new rule is likely to close this gap, promoting more volunteer eye donations and allowing for more procedures. 

The World Health Organisation estimates that approximately 12 million individuals worldwide suffer from corneal blindness. Countries like the United States and Sri Lanka have long benefited from robust donation networks and streamlined transplant procedures. India's decision to shorten procedures coincides with worldwide best practices, making eye donation a more accessible act of service for residents. 

The change is also expected to raise public awareness regarding eye donation. Experts predict that as eye banks and hospitals become more accessible, community involvement will increase, assisting in the restoration of sight and the transformation of lives.