Government on Saturday launched a national programme for promotion of organ transplantation under which a country-wide system of organ procurement is proposed to be established.

Setting up of new transplant facilities and strengthening of existing units are other highlights of the programme unveiled by Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in Delhi.

Under the programme, training would be imparted to required manpower in the sector, he said inaugurating 6th world and first ever Organ Donation Day and Organ Donation Congress 2010.

The programme also aims at creating a nationwide organ donation card and registry and mentioning in driving licences if a person was willing to donate organs. A pledge card for organ donation has also been prepared.

Azad asked experts to dwell upon ways to reduce the cost of organ transplantation so that more patients can derive benefits.

“It is paradoxical that a country like ours with a billion plus population should have shortage of organs for transplantation,” the health minister rued.