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New Delhi, August 2, 2025:
Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda called organ donation “one of the noblest acts of humanity” at the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day ceremony, celebrating the nation’s progress and pushing for greater public participation in this life-saving cause.
Addressing a packed Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Shri Nadda lauded the transformative impact of organ donors and underscored India’s remarkable leap in transplantation. “Since the launch of the Aadhaar-based NOTTO online pledge website in 2023, more than 3.30 lakh citizens have pledged their organs, marking a historic moment in public participation,” he announced. He revealed that India performed more than 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever in a single year—a dramatic rise from fewer than 5,000 such procedures in 2013. India now ranks third globally for total organ transplants, surpassed only by the United States and China.
Highlighting medical advancements, Shri Nadda added, “India leads the world in hand transplants, showcasing our cutting-edge surgical capabilities and the unwavering dedication of our medical professionals.”
Growing Support and Awareness
Family members of deceased donors and recipients were honored alongside medical professionals and NGOs whose efforts sustain the transplant ecosystem. The day’s events included the release of NOTTO’s latest annual report, an e-newsletter, and three awareness booklets on organ donation, Ayurveda and Yoga for organ health, and successful state practices.
The event is part of “Angdaan- Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyan,” a year-long national campaign promoting organ donation, dispelling myths, and motivating citizens to pledge. As part of the push, Organ Donation Month saw awareness drives and information kiosks across India throughout July.
Tackling the Organ Shortage
Despite great strides, India faces a stark gap. As Union Health Minister Nadda warned, “There remains a significant gap between the number of patients waiting for transplants and the number of available donors… often due to a lack of awareness and hesitation rooted in myths and misconceptions.” He emphasized the heroic role of each organ donor and noted that one person could save up to eight lives through organ donation.
Smt. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Acting Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, echoed these concerns, pointing out that India’s organ donation rate still stands at under 1% of the population, with over 63,000 awaiting kidney transplants and 22,000 for livers. She commended the growing public awareness, especially after the Prime Minister’s endorsement, and outlined continued government efforts to strengthen infrastructure, data monitoring, and workforce training.
Government Efforts and Recognition
The government is increasing support for organ transplant patients, offering up to ₹15 lakh for poor patients and ₹10,000 per month post-transplant for ongoing medical needs. Kidney transplants are now also covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana.
This year’s ceremony saw numerous awards:
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Best ROTTO Region: ROTTO North
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Best State: Tamil Nadu
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Best Union Territory: Puducherry
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Best Northeast State: Manipur
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Emerging States: Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan
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Top deceased organ donation rate: Telangana
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Best NOTTO-RC: Civil Hospital, Surat
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Best government transplant hospital: KDRC-ITS, Gujarat
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Best Brain Stem Death Certifying Team: Madras Medical College & Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Tamil Nadu
Donor families, recipients, and medical teams were honored for their dedication, while an organ donation pledge was undertaken by attendees to bolster commitment.
Looking Forward
Calling for a “jan andolan” or mass movement reflecting Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), Shri Nadda urged every Indian to become aware, pledge, and participate. He highlighted lifestyle factors as key to preventing organ failure, urging the adoption of Yoga and reduction of oil consumption for a healthier future.
NOTTO’s new resources—and the voices of countless donor families—are expected to further fuel India’s collective journey toward saving more lives through organ donation.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements and releases from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Statistics and opinions referenced are attributed to speakers at the event and official documents presented there. For medical decisions regarding organ donation and transplantation, please consult qualified healthcare professionals and official government resources.
