According to NOTTO’s annual report, more than 1,500 patients from 63 countries received organ transplants in India in 2025. Eleven of them were allocated organs from deceased Indian donors, while the majority received living‑donor transplants.

Key Takeaways

  • 1,500+ foreign patients received transplants in India in 2025
  • 11 received organs from deceased Indian donors
  • Uzbekistan leads in living‑donor transplants among foreigners

Transplant Statistics Overview

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) reported that 3,526 organ transplants from deceased donors were performed in India in 2025. Of these, 11 foreign nationals received organs – three hearts, five lungs, two small bowels, and one pancreas.

Countries Represented

Patients hailed from 63 nations, including three each from the United States and the United Kingdom. The eleven recipients of deceased‑donor organs came from Iraq (one heart, one lung, one small bowel), Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh.

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Living‑Donor Transplant Trends

Among foreign patients, 1,560 living‑donor transplants were recorded, with Uzbekistan (373), Myanmar (146) and Kyrgyzstan (115) topping the list. Myanmar was previously linked to a “cash for kidney” scandal in 2023, highlighting ethical concerns in medical tourism.

Historical Background

Organ transplantation in India gained legal footing in the early 1990s, paving the way for a robust medical tourism sector. Over the decades, India has become a cost‑effective destination for high‑quality transplants, attracting patients worldwide.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the rising share of foreign patients underscores India’s growing competitiveness in global healthcare, yet it also raises questions about organ allocation equity for Indian citizens.

"The influx of foreign recipients highlights India's medical expertise, but it also stresses the need for policies that protect organ access for domestic patients," says Dr. Ajay Verma, transplant surgeon.
Did You Know?: India ranks fifth worldwide for total organ transplants, but deceased‑donor rates remain far below those of developed nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are deceased‑donor organs commonly allocated to foreign patients?
A: Only when no Indian patient matches the organ in time.

Q2: Which country contributes the most living‑donor transplants among foreigners?
A: Uzbekistan, accounting for 373 procedures.