In 2024, India achieved a record 18,900 organ transplants, as announced by Union Health Minister JP Nadda. Speaking at the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day, he highlighted the government’s efforts to improve organ donation and transplantation for citizens’ benefit. Nadda noted that since the launch of the Aadhar-based NOTTO online pledge website in 2023, over 330,000 people have pledged to donate their organs, reflecting growing public awareness. He stated, “India has reached an extraordinary achievement with over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever in a single year,” a significant rise from under 5,000 in 2013. Nadda emphasized that India ranks third globally in organ transplants, behind the US and China, and called organ donation “one of the noblest acts of humanity.” He also pointed out the alarming increase in organ failure cases, stressing the urgent need for more donors to bridge the gap between patients and available organs, which is often due to misconceptions rather than unwillingness. Emphasizing the government’s initiatives regarding organ transplantation, the minister remarked that “to enhance the accessibility of organ transplants, financial assistance of up to Rs 15 lakh is available for underprivileged patients for the transplantation of kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs through the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi.” “Underprivileged patients receive support of up to Rs 10,000 monthly post-transplant to help with medical expenses. Additionally, the kidney transplant package has been incorporated into the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri- Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY),” Nadda further stated.
