India has recorded more than five lakh organ donation pledges, marking a significant development in the country’s efforts to promote organ and tissue donation, the Union Health Ministry said on June 22.
According to the ministry, the milestone reflects increasing public awareness and participation in organ donation, with more people recognising its role in offering a chance of life to patients awaiting transplantation.
The ministry said the achievement highlights the progress made through sustained initiatives aimed at encouraging voluntary organ and tissue donation and promoting informed decision-making among citizens.
Dr. Anil Kumar, Director of the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), thanked citizens for their support towards the cause. He also acknowledged the contributions of healthcare professionals, educational institutions, media organisations, government and non-government bodies, and other stakeholders involved in spreading awareness about organ donation.
He further appreciated the cooperation of state governments and Union Territory administrations in advancing the organ donation programme.
The ministry stated that the government remains focused on addressing the gap between the demand and availability of organs and tissues through awareness campaigns, strengthened transplantation systems and improved institutional capacities. It added that efforts continue to ensure that transplantation practices in the country remain ethical, equitable, transparent and patient-centric.
The organ donation movement has gained momentum in recent years, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting the importance of organ donation during several editions of his Mann Ki Baat programme and encouraging citizens to support the initiative.
The ministry also noted that the Aadhaar-based organ donation pledge registration portal has made the registration process more accessible, secure and transparent, enabling citizens across the country to register their pledges with ease.
It said the five lakh pledge milestone is an important step towards meeting the growing need for organs and tissues for transplantation and reflects the outcome of collaborative efforts undertaken by the government and various stakeholders.