Delhi, 2 August (H.S.): Under the commendable leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India is making significant strides in streamlining organ donation and transplant processes. This initiative aims to enhance infrastructure and trained manpower to facilitate the effective movement of organs, ultimately benefiting citizens in urgent need of transplants.

Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda, expressed these sentiments during the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day, which was organized by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO). This event took place at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre and saw the participation of key figures such as Nivedita Shukla Verma, Acting Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, and Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services.

The 15th Indian Organ Donation Day is part of a national campaign titled Angdaan- Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyan, designed to promote organ and tissue donation throughout the country. This campaign highlights the necessity for increased public awareness and engagement, aiming to dispel prevalent myths and motivate citizens toward pledging for organ donation. The event served as a platform to underscore the critical significance of organ donation, while also honoring the altruistic donors and their families who contribute to saving lives.

During his address, Nadda referred to the day as one that celebrates compassion and the triumph of life over loss, praising organ donation as a noble act of humanity. He noted the alarming rise in organ failure cases, revealing the pressing demand for transplants against the backdrop of insufficient donor availability. Each year, numerous individuals require organ transplants, yet a significant gap continues between the demand and the supply of organs. He attributed this gap not to a lack of willingness but rather to widespread misconceptions and lack of awareness, emphasizing the day's role in fostering discussions and recognition of donors.

Highlighting advancements in India's organ donation landscape, Shri Nadda shared that since launching the Aadhaar-based NOTTO online pledge platform in 2023, over 330,000 individuals have pledged to donate their organs. He acknowledged that India performed over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024—a record high—significantly up from less than 5,000 in 2013.Furthermore, India ranked third globally for organ transplants, trailing only the USA and China.

Nadda underscored India's leadership in hand transplants, showcasing the nation's surgical capabilities and the commitment of medical professionals. Nevertheless, he reiterated the need for greater awareness and communication regarding organ donation, along with a systematic framework to support deceased donation. He highlighted that a single organ donor can save up to eight lives, including vital organs like the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.

The minister also addressed the need for financial support for underprivileged patients undergoing organ transplants. The government provides financial assistance of up to ₹15 lakh for kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplants under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi.

Additionally, patients receive ongoing support of up to ₹10,000 per month post-transplant for medical expenses, with kidney transplants now included in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri- Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).Shri Nadda warned that unhealthy lifestyles contribute significantly to organ failure and encouraged the adoption of preventive measures and lifestyle changes. He advocated for the incorporation of Yoga and Ayurveda into daily practice to enhance well-being and immunity. He emphasized the Prime Minister's call for reducing oil consumption by 10% as a pivotal step toward improving public health and preventing lifestyle-related diseases.

Acknowledging the bravery of donor families, he praised the unwavering commitment of healthcare professionals, NGOs, and other stakeholders who facilitate life-saving transplants. He encouraged states and Union Territories to learn from each other’s best practices to enhance organ donation efforts and called for a collective movement to make organ donation a public initiative that embodies the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the world as one family.

Nivedita Shukla Verma extended her heartfelt thanks to organ donors and emphasized the historical significance of events like the 1994 Transplantation of Human Organs Act and the first heart transplant at AIIMS. She noted the critical need for timely organ donations, particularly from accident victims and those experiencing strokes.

Acknowledging the low organ donation rate in India compared to the population, she pointed out that more than 63,000 individuals currently require kidney transplants and approximately 22,000 liver transplants, despite an increase in public awareness, especially after the Prime Minister’s advocacy.

Verma reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the transplantation ecosystem through NOTTO, which now boasts over 330,000 registered donors. She stressed the importance of improving public participation and urged states to leverage central government support for better data management and monitoring, focusing on identifying potential donors, expanding infrastructure, and developing skilled personnel.

Dr. Sunita Sharma commended donor families as the real heroes and pointed out the collaborative efforts necessary among various stakeholders to bridge the existing gap between organ demand and availability. During the event, various initiatives and materials were launched, including the Annual Report 2024-2025 of NOTTO, an e-newsletter, awareness booklets targeting the general public and students, and a booklet promoting organ health through Ayurveda and Yoga.

Additionally, awards were presented to honor exceptional contributions in organ donation and transplantation across different categories, including regional, state, and institutional achievements. Recognitions were granted to various states and institutions for their significant roles in promoting organ donation and facilitating successful transplants, highlighting a collaborative commitment to enhancing the organ donation landscape in India.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar