Context: India recorded a record 20,138 organ transplants in 2025, the highest ever in a single year, with Tamil Nadu leading in deceased organ donations.
- The NOTTO Annual Report 2025–26 also highlighted sustained growth in transplantation and launched new initiatives to strengthen organ donation nationwide.
About Organ Donation in India:
What It Is?
- Organ donation is the voluntary donation of organs or tissues by a living or deceased donor for transplantation to patients suffering from end-stage organ failure.
- In India, organ donation and transplantation are regulated under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994, with the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) serving as the apex coordinating body.
Key Findings:
- Record Transplants: India performed 20,138 organ transplants in 2025, the highest ever, up from 18,911 in 2024 and 4,990 in 2013.
- Tamil Nadu Leads: Tamil Nadu recorded the highest deceased organ donors (266) and ranked second in total transplants (2,796) after Delhi.
- Deceased Donation Growth: Deceased donor transplants increased more than fourfold—from 837 (2013) to 3,526 (2025).
- Kidney Dominates: Kidney transplants accounted for 62% of all transplants, followed by liver transplants (20%).
- Digital & Policy Push: India crossed 5 lakh Aadhaar-verified organ donation pledges, while launching the Jug Jug Jiyo Abhiyaan, NOTTO Mobile App, and new Brain Stem Death and Swap Transplantation Guidelines.
Significance:
- Improves Healthcare Outcomes: Expands access to life-saving transplants, reducing deaths from end-stage organ failure.
- Strengthens Health Governance: Digital platforms, standardized guidelines, and awareness campaigns improve transparency, efficiency, and public trust.
- Promotes Humanitarian Values: Encourages voluntary donation, giving a single deceased donor the potential to save up to eight lives.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
- GS Paper II:
- Health, Government Policies & Interventions, Social Sector Development.
- GS Paper III:
- Science & Technology, Biotechnology Applications, Public Health Infrastructure.
- Essay / Ethics (GS IV):
- Organ donation, altruism, compassion, public awareness, and ethical healthcare.
