India performed record 18,900 organ transplants in 2024: J P Nadda

New Delhi: India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said on Saturday.

This is a significant leap from fewer than 5,000 transplants in 2013, he said, adding that India ranks third globally in the total number of organ transplants, behind only the United States of America and China.

The health minister added that India leads the world in hand transplants, showcasing our cutting-edge surgical capabilities and the unwavering dedication of our medical professionals.

Speaking at an event organised by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) to mark the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day, Nadda said there is a significant gap between the number of patients who need transplants and the number of donors.

"There is an alarming rise in organ failure cases, posing a serious threat to public health and increasing strain on the healthcare system. Every year, thousands of people wait for organ transplants. Despite the urgent need, there remains a significant gap between the number of patients waiting for transplants and the number of available donors," he said.

"This gap is not due to lack of willingness but often due to lack of awareness and hesitation rooted in myths and misconceptions. That's why the organ donation day -- which gives us a platform to spread awareness, encourage conversation and honour the donors and their families -- is important," he stated.

Highlighting the strides made by India in organ donation, Nadda stated that since the launch of Aadhaar-based NOTTO online pledge website in 2023, more than 3.30 lakh citizens have pledged their organs.

This surge in pledge registration reflects a growing awareness and dedication amongst the citizens towards this shared goal, Nadda said.

"Due to the unwavering dedication of our transplant professionals, India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year. This is a significant leap from fewer than 5,000 transplants in 2013. India ranks third globally in the total number of organ transplants, behind only the United States of America and China," he added.

Pointing to the gap between requirement and availability, Nadda emphasised the need for greater awareness, more public dialogues, timely consent from families, and robust system to support donation.

"Each organ donor is a silent hero, someone whose selfless act transforms grief into hope and loss into lives. One person can save up to eight lives by donating heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestines. Additionally, countless lives can be transformed through tissue donations," he said, adding that organ donation is one of the noblest acts.

Underlining government efforts, Nadda said, "Under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi, financial support of up to Rs 15 lakh is provided to poor patients for transplantation of kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. A support of up to Rs 10,000 per month is provided after the transplant to cover medical expenses. Kidney transplant package has also been included in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana," he said.

Emphasising that unhealthy lifestyle and food habits are among the major factors leading to organ failure and hence it is necessary to take preventive measures and lifestyle interventions, he urged people to adopt yoga to promote overall well-being.

"Ayurveda and yoga offer simple practices to strengthen our organs and boost immunity. We must adopt yoga to promote overall well-being," Nadda said.

He added that Prime Minister has time and again encouraged everyone to take proactive steps towards better health. "One such powerful message is his call to reduce the consumption of oil by 10 per cent, a simple yet impactful step towards building a healthier disease-free future," Nadda said.