In a humanitarian move to honour the sacrifice of organ donor families and encourage lifesaving donations, the Andhra Pradesh government is considering a proposal to provide Rs 1 lakh financial assistance to the families of deceased organ donors. The proposal has been formally submitted to Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu by Medical and Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav.

Describing donor families as an inspiration to society, the Minister said the support would offer emotional and financial relief while fostering a stronger culture of organ donation. “Recognising the sacrifice of donor families is both a moral responsibility and a public health necessity. Financial assistance can also help reduce fear and hesitation surrounding organ donation,” he said.

Andhra Pradesh witnessed a record surge in organ donations in 2025. Between January and December, organs from 93 brain-dead donors were harvested and transplanted into 301 patients. Of these donors, 69 were men and 24 were women. This marks the highest number of donations ever recorded in the State in a single year.

By comparison, organs from 66 donors benefited 210 patients in 2024, while 41 donors helped 126 patients in 2023. Earlier, 26 donors contributed 86 organs in 2022, 16 donors provided 67 organs in 2021, and only two donations were recorded in 2020. Officials attribute the sharp rise to improved coordination, increased public awareness and government-backed initiatives under the coalition government.

The State has already taken steps to honour organ donors. As per Government Order No. 95 dated August 8, 2024, senior officials such as the District Collector or Joint Collector attend the last rites of donors. Additionally, Rs 10,000 is provided to donor families through the Jeevandan programme. The proposed Rs 1 lakh assistance would expand these measures. The Minister also suggested temporary employment for one family member, depending on economic need.

Data from the past five years show growing participation by youth. Since 2020, organs from 244 deceased donors have been donated, with 69 donors under the age of 30. Women accounted for 69 donors. Highlighting a recent case, the Minister cited the donation by the family of 15-year-old Maddu Kushal Veera Sai Kumar from Kurnool district, whose organs saved at least five lives.

Kidney transplants form the largest share, with 703 from deceased donors and 3,155 from living donors over the past decade, followed by liver, lung and heart transplants.