Chennai, 03 August (H.S.):Tamil Nadu has once again reaffirmed its position as the country's leader in organ donation, receiving the ‘Best State’ award from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in recognition of its outstanding performance in deceased organ donation and transplantation. The honour was presented during the 16th Indian Organ Donation Day celebrations held in New Delhi on Monday, highlighting the State’s sustained commitment to saving lives through organ donation.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel presented the award to Tamil Nadu Health Minister K.G. Arunraj. The award citation recognised the State’s exemplary contribution to deceased organ donation, noting that Tamil Nadu’s commitment has helped provide a new lease of life to patients suffering from end-stage organ failure.
According to official data, Tamil Nadu recorded 266 deceased organ donors in 2025, resulting in the utilisation of 1,476 organs, including 856 major organs and 620 minor organs and tissues. Government hospitals accounted for 154 donors, or nearly 58 per cent of the total, while private hospitals contributed 112 donors, reflecting the success of the State’s collaborative healthcare network.
The ceremony also honoured the family of Sabarish, who was declared brain dead in May 2025 and whose organs were donated at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, benefiting several patients. R. Vinothkumar, transplant coordinator at the Government Medical College Hospital in Tirunelveli, received the Best Transplant Coordinator award for facilitating the highest number of organ donations from brain-dead individuals during 2025.
Tamil Nadu’s organ donation programme, coordinated by the Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu (TRANSTAN), has evolved into one of the country’s most successful public health initiatives since its launch in 2008. After reaching a record 268 deceased donors in 2024, the programme continued its strong performance in 2025 despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in earlier years.
The State also ranks first nationally in heart and lung transplants and remains a pioneer in promoting organ donation awareness. It is the only State to accord State honours to brain-dead organ donors, with 798 donors receiving official honours between September 2023 and the end of July 2026, reflecting Tamil Nadu’s continued efforts to recognise donor families and encourage organ donation.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
