The Andhra Pradesh High Court on April 1, 2026, raised concerns over the State’s approach to expanding organ transplant facilities, asking the government to place a detailed draft policy on record. The court was hearing a public interest litigation highlighting gaps in organ transplant infrastructure.
Background of the Case
The matter arose from a PIL filed by a voluntary organization, seeking improved access to organ transplant services across Andhra Pradesh. Earlier, the bench had directed the Health Department to furnish data on hospitals equipped with qualified doctors and infrastructure necessary for organ transplants.
The State responded through affidavits, explaining its current capacity and constraints. It submitted that establishing transplant facilities in all 100-bedded hospitals was not immediately feasible due to financial limitations and potential strain on other healthcare services.
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During the hearing, the bench led by Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Challa Gunaranjan examined the State’s affidavit in detail.
The court noted that while the government had outlined a broad plan for expanding organ transplant services, the details were vague.
“The averments… are quite general in character. It is not clear as to what precisely is the policy and the contours thereof,” the bench observed,
indicating that a clearer framework was necessary for judicial scrutiny.
The judges emphasized that without a concrete policy document, it would be difficult to assess the effectiveness or feasibility of the proposed phased implementation.
According to the affidavit, the State currently has a network of organ transplant centres, including nine government-run facilities and 71 in the private sector. It also highlighted that financial assistance is available for patients from Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories requiring transplant procedures.
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The government further informed the court that it is working on a policy aimed at strengthening deceased donor organ transplantation by 2030. The plan is proposed to be implemented in two phases:
- Phase I: Upgrading existing tertiary care and teaching hospitals with adequate infrastructure
- Phase II: Gradual expansion and capacity building across more healthcare institutions
However, the court found these submissions lacking in specificity.
Taking note of the incomplete details, the High Court directed the Principal Secretary of the Health Department to place the draft policy on record before the next hearing.
The matter has been listed for further consideration on July 22, 2026.
case details
Case Title:President, Gareeb Guide (Voluntary Organization), Hyderabad vs State of Andhra Pradesh & Others
Case Number: WP (PIL) No. 93 of 2016
Court: Andhra Pradesh High Court
Judges: Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Challa Gunaranjan
Decision Date: 1 April 2026
