India has marked a historic achievement in organ donation and transplantation, with the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) spearheading a transformative national movement. Since 2013, organ transplants have surged fourfold, from under 5,000 to nearly 20,000 in 2025. Notably, around 18% of these transplants now utilize organs from deceased donors.
Rising Citizen Participation
Over 4.8 lakh citizens have registered to donate organs and tissues after death through an Aadhaar-based verification system since September 17, 2023. In 2025 alone, more than 1,200 families donated organs of their loved ones, providing multiple organs for life-saving transplants. India now excels in complex procedures, including heart, lung, pancreas, and hand transplants, leading the world in the latter.
Strategic Government Push
The government’s multi-pronged strategy has strengthened India’s organ donation framework. Key initiatives include:
- Empowering NOTTO for real-time organ allocation and inter-state coordination
- Modernizing the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Registry for transparency and fairness
- Capacity building of State (SOTTOs) and Regional OTTOs (ROTTOs)
- Standardized transplant protocols aligned with global best practices
- Digital integration for donor registration and hospital connectivity
- Green Corridors and SOPs for rapid and safe organ transport
These measures have improved clinical outcomes, minimized logistical barriers, and reinforced public trust in the system.
People-Centric Life-Saving Movement
Public awareness campaigns, community engagement, and Panchayati Raj participation have reshaped societal attitudes toward organ donation. Hospitals are now better equipped for timely retrieval and equitable distribution of organs. NOTTO actively engages youth, schools, and communities, encouraging citizens to become donors and support multiorgan donation initiatives, creating a robust culture of life-saving solidarity.
Towards Self-Reliant & Ethical Healthcare
India’s progress under NOTTO enhances self-reliance in advanced healthcare and reduces dependence on overseas transplants. Collaborative efforts among governments, transplant hospitals, clinicians, and civil society have established a responsive, ethical, and technology-driven transplant ecosystem, delivering life-saving outcomes at globally competitive standards and reduced costs.
The Road Ahead
Building on these achievements, the government aims to further boost deceased organ donations, expand transplant infrastructure in underserved areas, strengthen digital coordination, and maintain sustained public awareness. India stands as a global example of governance, institutional reform, and citizen participation saving thousands of lives annually.
