Andhra Pradesh ranks sixth nationally in organ donation

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh has secured the sixth position in the country in organ donation, according to the latest State-wise Organ Donation Report-2025 released by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), the apex body under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Announcing the development, State Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said the ranking reflects growing public awareness and institutional strengthening of the State’s organ donation framework through the Jeevan Daan initiative, established after bifurcation in 2015. “In just the first two months of this year, organs retrieved from 18 brain-dead donors have given a new lease of life to 64 patients. This is a significant improvement compared to previous years,” the Minister stated.

The Minister reviewed the functioning of Jeevan Daan and transplant services in government hospitals following recent High Court directions seeking expansion of organ transplant surgeries in public institutions. He directed officials to ensure visible progress and increase the number of transplants conducted in government facilities.

So far, eight kidneys and one liver have been transplanted from brain-dead donors through government hospitals, while 87 kidney transplants have been performed from living related donors. Recently, a heart transplant was successfully completed after retrieval from a brain-dead donor at a private hospital on the outskirts of Vijayawada.

Comparative data indicate rising public participation. In the first two months of last year, organs from 12 brain-dead donors benefited 31 patients. In 2024, 10 brain-dead donors contributed 30 organs during the same period. The current year’s figure of 64 transplants from 18 donors marks a substantial rise. “This increasing response shows that awareness campaigns are yielding results. We must intensify outreach so that more families come forward during critical moments to save lives,” the Minister said.

The Jeevan Daan programme has so far facilitated life-saving transplants for over 1,200 patients across the State. In the past year alone, 301 patients received organs, marking what officials described as a record year in transplant history for Andhra Pradesh. Despite progress, the waiting list remains long. According to Jeevan Daan Trust data, 5,347 patients are currently registered for various organ transplants. A majority of them fall in the 20-50 age group, considered the most productive segment of society. Alarmingly, 38 children below nine years of age are also awaiting transplants.

Under Government Order (GO) 95, brain-dead donors are accorded State honours during last rites as a mark of respect. The government currently provides Rs. 10,000 as immediate financial assistance to donor families. The Minister said a proposal to enhance the assistance to Rs. 1 lakh is under consideration.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Satya Kumar Yadav stated, “Organ donation is the noblest form of service. Our goal is to strengthen transplant infrastructure in government hospitals and ensure that no eligible patient loses life due to lack of timely intervention.”