Imagine being declared dead, but still having a beating heart. This is the reality for patients suffering from brain death. Brain death occurs when the brainstem, which controls vital functions like breathing and heartbeat, stops working. In India, a recent study found that only about 1,100 deceased donations take place annually, leaving a huge gap between potential and actual organ donors.

The Supreme Court has stepped in to examine the process of brain death certification in India. A two-judge bench has asked AIIMS to set up an expert committee to review whether additional tests like electroencephalogram (EEG) and angiogram are necessary to confirm brain death. The court's move comes amid concerns over malpractices in brain death certification.

Experts say that existing protocols already have adequate checks and balances to confirm brain death. The process involves a panel of four independent doctors, including a neurologist or neurosurgeon, who confirm brain stem death twice with a minimum gap of six hours. Dr. Manjari Tripathi, head of neurology at AIIMS, emphasizes that the process is carried out with due diligence and seriousness.

The court's move has sparked debate among experts. Some argue that additional tests could add to the system burden, while others say that the apnea test, which is the standard method used to confirm brain death, is subjective and may not always be reliable. The apnea test involves checking whether a patient can breathe without assistance.

Brain death is often confused with coma, where some brain activity remains. While the heart may continue to beat on life support, a person with brain death cannot breathe or regain consciousness and is medically considered dead. Experts emphasize that brain death is irreversible and cannot be reversed with treatment.