Dr. Pradeep Krishna R.V. of Apollo Hospitals has issued a critical call to action for organ donation to bridge the massive gap between supply and demand in India. With over 90,000 patients on waiting lists, the need for awareness has never been greater.

  • Over 90,000 patients are currently on the waiting list for major organ transplants in India as of March 2026.
  • India successfully performed over 20,000 organ transplants in 2025.
  • Brain-dead donors can provide life-saving organs including hearts, kidneys, and lungs.
  • Living donors can contribute portions of organs, such as the liver, to save others.

Speaking at a significant program organized by the Sushodha Institute of Gastroenterology in Shivamogga to mark World Organ Donation Day, Dr. K.V. Pradeep Krishna, a senior consultant at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, made a compelling plea for organ donation. He emphasized that donating organs is one of the most profound acts of compassion a human can perform, offering a second lease on life to those in critical need.

Highlighting the stark reality of the current healthcare landscape, Dr. Krishna noted that while India recorded more than 20,000 successful organ transplants in 2025, the demand is skyrocketing. According to data from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), as of March 2026, more than 90,000 patients across the country are languishing on waiting lists for major organ transplants. This massive deficit remains the single greatest hurdle in transplant medicine.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that despite rapid advancements in surgical techniques and immunosuppressant drugs, the biological shortage of compatible organs remains a systemic crisis. The gap between medical capability and organ availability is widening, necessitating a cultural shift in how society views donation.

Organ donation is not just a medical procedure; it is the ultimate gift of life that transcends mortality.

Dr. Krishna detailed the clinical process, explaining that individuals declared brain-dead by a certified panel of experts can serve as vital donors. Their hearts, kidneys, and lungs can be harvested to save multiple lives, provided the transplantation occurs within a very strict physiological timeline. He urged families to be prepared to make these heroic decisions during difficult moments.

The discussion also touched upon living donations, particularly regarding liver health. Patients suffering from chronic liver disease can achieve full recovery through transplantation. Notably, a living individual can donate a portion of their liver to another person. This was poignantly illustrated by Rajashekharaiah, a Shivamogga resident, who shared his recovery story after a successful liver transplant four months ago, made possible by his daughter's selfless donation.

Historical Background

The evolution of organ transplantation in India has been marked by both technological triumphs and regulatory challenges. The establishment of NOTTO was a landmark move to standardize the procurement and distribution process, ensuring that the precious gift of life reaches those in most urgent need through a transparent system.

Did You Know?: A single organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of dozens more through tissue donation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a living person donate an organ?
Yes, living donors can donate organs such as a portion of the liver or a kidney to a compatible recipient.

2. What happens after a person is declared brain-dead?
Once a medical panel confirms brain death, organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys can be harvested for transplantation within a specific timeframe.