Parliamentary Health Committee Selects 12 Review Topics, Including Cancer Care and Organ Transplants

The news

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has selected 12 subjects for examination, including affordable cancer screening and treatment, human organ transplantation, the national burden of liver diseases, and strengthening of public hospitals. The committee, chaired by Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha member Ram Gopal Yadav, announced the chosen topics in a Lok Sabha bulletin issued on Thursday, 12 November 2026.

Ten of the selected subjects fall under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, while two relate to the Ministry of Ayush. The panel will review the latest methods adopted for affordable cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment, focusing on their verified outcomes. It will also examine the management of human organ and tissue transplantation and the existing legal framework governing it.

On liver diseases, the committee will study India's disease burden and emphasise the preparation of a proposed national mission for early detection, screening, diagnosis and treatment. Other subjects include the implementation of Ayushman Bharat, particularly elderly care and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs; the functioning of regulatory bodies under the health ministry; global collaboration in health research; medical and allied education; and challenges in dental education and services. The review also covers the National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021, and the prevention and management of lifestyle diseases through Ayush systems. Department-related committees were reconstituted in September and are selecting subjects for examination over the next year.

What is the legal framework for organ transplantation in India?

The primary law governing human organ and tissue transplantation in India is the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994. This Act regulates the removal, storage and transplantation of human organs and tissues for therapeutic purposes and aims to prevent commercial dealings in organs. It was amended in 2011 to expand the definition of near relatives, make tissue donation easier, and increase penalties for illegal organ trade. The Act also provides for the regulation of hospitals and the appointment of transplant coordinators.

How does the committee's selection process work?

Department-related parliamentary committees are reconstituted in September each year and then select subjects for examination over the following 12 months. The selection establishes a scrutiny agenda; it does not itself create new policy or implement reforms. The committee reports its findings to Parliament, which may then inform legislative or executive action.

What will the review cover on cancer, transplants and liver disease?

The cancer care review will focus on affordable screening, diagnosis and treatment methods and their verified outcomes. The transplantation review will examine the management of human organs and tissues and the existing legal framework. For liver diseases, the committee will study the national burden and emphasise preparation of a national mission covering early detection through treatment. The agenda also includes strengthening peripheral AIIMS, primary and secondary health facilities, state government medical colleges and district hospitals.

What other health topics are included?

The selected subjects cover Ayushman Bharat implementation, especially elderly care and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs; the functioning of health ministry regulators; global collaboration in health research; medical and allied education; and challenges in dental education and services. Under the Ayush ministry, the committee will examine prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of lifestyle diseases through Ayush systems, and measures to promote and popularise Ayush treatments.