Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 23: India has witnessed a dramatic rise in organ transplantation over the past decade, with annual procedures increasing nearly fourfold — from fewer than 5,000 in 2013 to close to 20,000 in 2025, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

A notable shift has been the growing contribution of deceased donors, who now account for approximately 18 per cent of total transplants nationwide. The surge reflects expanding public awareness, improved infrastructure, and streamlined allocation systems.

Data shared by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) highlights significant milestones in organ donation, allocation, and transplantation processes across the country. Since the launch of Aadhaar-based verification for pledging organ donation on September 17, 2023, more than 4.8 lakh citizens have registered to donate organs and tissues after death.

In 2025 alone, over 1,200 families consented to donate the organs of their deceased loved ones, collectively saving and enhancing thousands of lives. Authorities noted that many donors are now facilitating multi-organ transplants, enabling multiple recipients to benefit from a single act of generosity.

India has also strengthened its expertise in performing complex procedures such as heart, lung, and pancreas transplants. According to the Health Ministry, the country currently leads the world in hand transplants, performing more such surgeries than any other nation.

Officials attributed this growth to sustained government support, policy reforms, and the expanding network of highly skilled transplant surgeons and medical professionals. Outcomes, they said, are now comparable to global benchmarks, often delivered at significantly lower costs.

NOTTO has called for greater participation from government institutions, organisations, and workplaces to foster a culture of organ and tissue donation. The body advocates multi-organ donation as a compassionate choice that can transform personal loss into renewed hope for others.

The steady progress in the transplant ecosystem also advances India’s broader goal of self-reliance in advanced healthcare, reducing the need for overseas procedures while maintaining ethical, transparent, and equitable standards within the country.