Source: The post India needs urgent action to bridge organ donation gap has been created, based on the article “Clear the myths, recognise organ donation as a lifeline” published in “The Hindu” on 13th August 2025. India needs urgent action to bridge organ donation gap.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Context: Organ transplantation is a medical breakthrough, yet India faces an alarming shortage of donor organs. Despite progress, myths, misconceptions, and low awareness cause over half a million preventable deaths each year. The article explains barriers, awareness strategies, and policy actions needed to meet the demand.
For detailed information on Organ donation in India read this article
The Current State of Organ Transplantation in India
- Low Donation Rate Despite Growth: The number of transplants rose from 4,990 in 2013 to 18,378 in 2023, but only 1,099 were from deceased donors. India’s donation rate is 0.8 per million, far below over 45 per million in Spain and the US. This gap costs countless lives every year.
- Preventable Fatalities: A lack of organs is not due to medical limits but social and systemic obstacles. Losing a life because of this shortage is a preventable tragedy that demands urgent attention.
Myths and Misconceptions Hindering Donations
- Concerns About Body Integrity and Rituals: Families fear organ donation will disfigure the body or disrupt funeral rites. In reality, retrieval is done with utmost respect, preserving appearance for ceremonies. Religious leaders across faiths support donation as an act of compassion.
- Mistrust in Brain Death Procedures: Some believe doctors might prematurely declare brain death to take organs. The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 ensures strict medical criteria, multidisciplinary expert boards, repeated assessments, and detailed legal documentation.
- Wrong Assumptions About Age and Health: Many assume only young accident victims can donate. However, organs and tissues such as kidneys, liver segments, lungs, corneas, bone, skin, and heart valves can be donated by older individuals or those dying of natural causes.
Strategies to Increase Awareness and Participation
- Media and Personal Stories: Television, social media, and sharing real donor and recipient experiences can inspire action and counter myths, especially among youth.
- Community and Educational Efforts: Workshops led by trained counsellors address concerns about rituals, protocols, and eligibility. Including organ donation education in schools and colleges builds a lifelong culture of giving.
- Healthcare Professional Engagement: Doctors, nurses, and transplant coordinators need training to hold compassionate and informed discussions with families. Dedicated coordination teams can guide decision-making with clarity.
Policy and System Reforms
- Exploring Presumed Consent: Countries like Spain and Croatia use a system where every adult is a donor unless they opt out. India could adopt this, with ethical oversight and strong family support mechanisms.
- Building Public Confidence: Grievance redress systems and transparent processes are vital to maintain trust in the donation framework.
A National Call to Action
- Shared Duty and Urgency: Organ donation is a noble legacy. Every eligible adult should register, and families should honour this choice.
- Sustained Commitment: Through awareness drives, reforms, and community engagement, no Indian should die for lack of an organ. On World Organ Donation Day, the nation must pledge to embrace this cause as a collective responsibility.
Question for practice:
Examine the key barriers and solutions to increasing organ donation in India.
