In a move that is likely to benefit those awaiting organ donation, the government is planning to include step-parents, step siblings and extended family members in the definition of near relatives. <br/><br/>The Health Ministry has put out a circular for amendment in the Human Organs and Tissues Transplantation Act 1994, as amended in 2011, to widen the definition of near relatives. It has sought comments from the public till 25th of September.<br/><br/>A senior health ministry official, expanding the definition of the term would increase the availability of living donors in the country. Initially, spouses, sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters were defined as near relatives and could legally donate organs.<br/><br/>The government amended the Act in 2011 when grandfather, grandmother, grandson or granddaughter were included in the definition of near relatives. The draft amendment observes that the 2011 expansion of definition of near relatives has not led to any significant increase in the availability of living donors. The ministry has issued an email id amendmentthotairi@gmail.com, where suggestions can be sent.