The Union Health Ministry and the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) marked the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day with recognition for states, hospitals, and medical professionals leading transplant advocacy. The event also renewed the national call for greater public participation in organ donation.
Growing Awareness Campaigns
Over the past decade, India has built a stronger organ donation network. However, the number of donors is still far below the demand. To address this gap, NOTTO ran the “Angdaan–Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyan” in July 2025. Through webinars, pledge drives, and public kiosks, the campaign aimed to raise awareness, answer public queries, and clear myths.
Award Highlights
During the ceremony, awards went to top performers in several categories:
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Best Regional Transplant Organisation: 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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Promotion of Organ Donation: Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat
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Best NOTTO-Regional Centre: Civil Hospital Surat
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Best Government Hospital: KDRC-ITS, Gujarat
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Emerging Institution: AIIMS Nagpur
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Eye Banking Excellence: National Eye Bank, AIIMS Delhi
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Best Brain Stem Death Certifying Team: Dr. Raghavendran R. and Dr. Gomathi Karmegam, Madras Medical College & Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital
A Record Year for Transplants
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda described organ donation as “one of humanity’s noblest acts.” He noted that hesitation to donate often stems from lack of information, not unwillingness. Since the Aadhaar-linked online pledge platform launched in 2023, over 3.3 lakh people have pledged to donate their organs.
Furthermore, India performed 18,900 transplants in 2024—its highest figure ever. This achievement placed the country third worldwide, behind the United States and China.
Expanded Financial Aid
To strengthen support for patients, the government announced expanded financial benefits. Under the National Health Fund, poor patients can now receive up to ₹15 lakh for heart, liver, kidney, or lung transplants. In addition, post-surgery aid of ₹10,000 per month will be provided. Kidney transplants are also now included under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY packages.
Looking Ahead
With rising pledges, growing awareness, and stronger policies, India is steadily closing the gap between demand and availability of organs. However, experts stress that better infrastructure, faster consent processes, and continuous public education are essential. Each donor, they say, becomes a “silent hero” who turns personal loss into hope for many.
