The Nepal Transplant Act, enacted to regulate and facilitate organ transplantation in the country, aims to ensure ethical practices, protect donors and recipients, and enhance the overall transplant ecosystem. Despite the legislative framework, there remains a critical need for skilled professionals to manage and coordinate transplant activities effectively. The recent amendments to the Human Body Organ Transplantation Act (HBOTA) in 2016 enabled brain death donations, marking a significant step forward. However, donation rates still remain low. The first national training for transplant coordinators, organised by the Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Centre in collaboration with the MOHAN Foundation, addressed this need by equipping coordinators with the necessary knowledge and skills.

The two-day training held on June 24 - 25, 2024 was attended by 51 participants from 20 government and private transplant and teaching hospitals. The training encompassed an agenda tailored to the needs of the participants.

Ms. Pallavi Kumar (Executive Director, MOHAN Foundation, NCR) led the following sessions:

• A to Z of Organ Donation
• A no is not always a no
• Grief Counselling and making the Ask
• Implementing a Deceased Donation
• Programme in a Hospital

Dr. Muneet Kaur Sahi (Programme Manager, MOHAN Foundation, NCR) conducted the following sessions:

• Creating Public Awareness on Organ Donation
• Role of a Transplant Coordinator

Legal aspects of organ donation and transplant (HBOTA) Nepal was conducted by Mr. Harihar Pokhrel, Section Officer Member, Legal Committee, SDNTC, Nepal.

Apart from the sessions, many activities were undertaken that broke the monotony of the teaching sessions, bringing together all the participants in engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and practical exercises. A few of the activities that were conducted were: stakeholders' involvement, effective communication, and organ donation pathway.