Organ Transplants in India: India achieved a historic milestone by performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest number ever recorded in a single year, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said. The achievement reflects the remarkable progress made in the country’s organ donation and transplant ecosystem, he added.
The 2024 figure marks a dramatic increase from fewer than 5,000 transplants recorded in 2013. India now ranks third globally in total organ transplants, behind only the United States and China. Nadda also noted that India leads the world in hand transplants, underscoring the advanced surgical skills and commitment of the country’s medical professionals.
Also Read | New transplant techniques expand use of donor hearts after cardiac death
Despite the progress, Nadda highlighted a continuing and critical gap between the number of patients needing transplants and the number of available donors. “Every year, thousands wait for life-saving transplants. While willingness to donate exists, the lack of awareness and lingering myths often prevent timely action,” he said.
Nadda called each organ donor a “silent hero”, adding that one donor can save up to eight lives by donating organs like the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines and improve many more lives through tissue donation.
The health minister also highlighted government support mechanisms to facilitate transplants for underprivileged patients. Under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi scheme, financial assistance of up to ₹15 lakh is provided for kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplants. An additional ₹10,000 per month is offered to help cover post-transplant medical expenses. Kidney transplants are also covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
