Record Surge in Organ Transplants Across India in 2025
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Why in News
- India achieved a milestone by recording 20,138 organ transplants in 2025. This stands as the highest number of transplants ever performed in a single year, with Tamil Nadu leading the nation in deceased organ donations.
- The NOTTO Annual Report 2025-26 highlighted consistent growth in transplantation across the country. The report also introduced several new initiatives to boost organ donation nationwide.
What is Organ Donation?
- Organ donation involves a living or deceased donor voluntarily giving organs or tissues. These organs are transplanted into patients who face end-stage organ failure.
- India regulates organ donation and transplantation through the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994. The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) acts as the main coordinating agency in the country.
Key Findings of NOTTO Report
- Organ transplants in India grew dramatically from 4,990 in 2013 to 18,911 in 2024, before touching an all-time high of 20,138 in 2025.
- Tamil Nadu registered the maximum deceased organ donors at 266. It also secured the second position overall with 2,796 transplants, trailing only Delhi.
- Transplants from deceased donors grew more than four times over the decade, jumping from 837 in 2013 to 3,526 in 2025.
- Kidney transplants made up 62% of all organ procedures in India, while liver transplants accounted for 20%.
- More than 5 lakh people submitted Aadhaar-verified organ donation pledges. The government also launched the Jug Jug Jiyo Abhiyaan, the NOTTO Mobile App, and updated guidelines for Brain Stem Death and Swap Transplantation.
Significance of Organ Donation Reforms
- Better access to transplants saves lives and directly lowers the death rate among patients suffering from severe organ failure.
- Digital portals, standard rules, and public campaigns create greater transparency, speed up procedures, and build public confidence in healthcare systems.
- Promoting voluntary donation reinforces human values because one deceased donor can save as many as eight lives.