Kidney demand surges in Karnataka; 4,922 patients on waiting list

As many as 4,922 patients in the state are on the waiting list for kidney transplant, making kidney the most sought-after organ.

This number is as per data of December 2025. While around 300 people received a kidney transplant this year, demand continues to outstrip availability.

Government officials and doctors attribute the growing crisis primarily to the sharp and largely uncontrolled rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are driving cases of chronic kidney disease.

Numbers speak 

Analysis of data shows that the number of registered patients awaiting other organs is significantly lower: 698 for liver, 118 for heart and 44 for lungs. In 2025, about 150 people donated kidneys benefiting 300 recipients, while 161 donated livers, 49 donated hearts and 29 donated lungs. Currently, the waiting period for kidney transplant is two to three years.

Dr D P Arun Kumar, programme officer of Jeevasarthakathe or State Organ Tissue and Transplant Organisation under the health and family welfare department, told DH that the rising burden of NCDs had affected both recipients and potential donors.

“The demand for kidneys is higher because of rising NCDs and even some donors are affected. If diabetes or hypertension is uncontrolled or the kidney is already affected, we cannot consider such donors,” he said.

To determine donor suitability, blood group and HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) matching is mandatory.

“Unless a parent or sibling is donating, HLA will not completely match. Hence, we do not aim for 100% match because that can be managed with immunosuppressants,” Arun Kumar said.

Unlike liver transplants, where recipients are prioritised based on disease severity, kidney transplants are allotted based on seniority of registration. “Since dialysis can sustain patients till a kidney becomes available, we follow seniority,” he said.

Financial assistance

To reduce financial burden, BPL card holders receive Rs 2 lakh for transplant and Rs 1 lakh annually for post-transplant care in both government and private hospitals. At present, the Institute of Nephro Urology at Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru, and KIMS Hubballi offer free kidney transplants. The health department is planning to extend free transplantation services to KR Hospital in Mysuru.

Dr Kristina George, consultant nephrologist and renal transplant specialist, said while openness to organ donation had improved slightly, India remained far below global benchmarks.

“Mistrust in medical care, lack of awareness and religious beliefs prevent families from consenting to deceased organ donation,” she said.

This year, 13 families refused consent, despite donors being eligible.

Transplant counselling

Acknowledging the challenge, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told DH that the government planned to introduce structured transplant counselling for families of the deceased in government hospitals.