Table 6 Overwhelming views and suggestions of the Anatomy fraternity of India regarding various sections/ provisions of Anatomy Acts of their respective states

1.

Is approved institution clearly defined?

Although the definition of approved institute implies that it includes all government/private medical and dental institutes. Anatomist want approved institute to be clearly spelt out either in act or in notification.

2.

Is the definition of unclaimed bodies clearly spelt?

3.

Is procedure to handle unclaimed bodies clearly laid down?

Ways to be devised so that as bodies reach all approved institutes (all government/private medical, dental and allied) unbiased without performing postmortem in specific time frame.

Authorized officer should be aware of his responsibilities regarding the act.

4.

Have the responsibilities of authorized officer been clearly defined?

So that the unclaimed body reaches the approved institute before the putrefaction sets in.

5.

Is provision for receiving donated bodies present?

Overwhelming view to include this section in acts lacking it.

6.

Suggestion regarding management of situation, when donated bodies arrive at the approved institute without death certificate.

Should be received only along with police verification report (i.e No Objection certicate-N.O.C.), certificate from village sarpanch or denied in absence of above certificates.

7.

Is transfer or transport of cadaveric materials mentioned?

Should be legally approved.

8.

Does the Act mention the maintenance of records?

Documentation should be mandatory and clearly laid down for bodies or part thereof/bones/anatomic material/still birth fetus. There should be uniformity in the format of body donation forms, acknowledgement letter, maintenance of records of donations and unclaimed bodies etc.

9.

Is procedure of disposal of claims by the “said relatives” clearly laid down?

Should be clearly laid down

10.

Is a clause for penaltyfor thosewho interfere with any procedure of act present?

Should be increased from Rs. 5000/= to Rs. 25,000/=

11.

Is uniformity in Anatomy Acts of various states is need of the day.

Socially and demographically states are different hence not possible.

Laws regarding handling of unclaimed body are stringent in certain states which if uniformly applicable will affect the availability of unclaimed body in all states.

Only guidelines to be issued by central government.

12.

Any other Suggestions

Officer who should receive the body in approved institute should be clearly defined.

Criteria for acceptance or refusal of unclaimed body should be clearly laid down.

National body bank registry for uniform distribution of cadavers.

Prior informed consent from donor and/or near relative in case of transfer and transport of cadaver.