Living Kidney Donation: Eligibility and Evaluation
Who can donate a kidney, what the evaluation involves, and the safeguards that protect living donors under Indian law.
Last updated: 2026-09-24
Living kidney donation is the gift of one of two healthy kidneys to a person with kidney failure. A person can live a full, healthy life with a single kidney.
Who may donate
- Near relatives under THOTA — spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandparents
- Non-relatives only after approval by a State Authorisation Committee confirming the donation is altruistic and unpaid
The evaluation
A prospective donor undergoes a comprehensive medical, surgical and psychological evaluation, independent of the recipient’s care, including blood group and tissue typing, kidney function, imaging and cardiac assessment.
Donation must be voluntary. No payment for the organ is lawful in any form; only reimbursement of documented expenses and genuine loss of earnings during recovery is permitted.
Frequently asked questions
Is kidney donation safe for the donor?
Living donation has a strong safety record at accredited centres. The remaining kidney grows and increases its function to compensate.
Can a donor change their mind?
Yes. Consent can be withdrawn at any point up to the moment of surgery, without giving a reason.