Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Smt. Anupriya Patel Calls for Strengthening Organ Donation Movement as India Observes 16th Indian Organ Donation Day

Why in news

The 16th Indian Organ Donation Day (IODD) was observed, with a national event organized by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) under the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. During the event, new initiatives and guidelines were launched to strengthen India's organ donation and transplantation programme.

Exam relevance

GS2 · Governance, Society · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The 16th Indian Organ Donation Day (IODD) was observed, with a national event organized by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) under the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
2. Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Smt. Anupriya Patel called for strengthening the organ donation movement.
3. Over five lakh Aadhaar-verified organ donation pledges have been received.
4. A total of 20,138 organ transplants were performed in 2025, marking the highest ever in a single year.
5. India retains global leadership in living donor organ transplants and ranks third worldwide in total organ transplants.
6. Deceased donor organ transplants increased more than fourfold, rising from 837 in 2013 to 3,526 in 2025.
7. The 'Jug Jug Jiyo Abhiyaan', e-प्रत्यारोपण Platform, and NOTTO Mobile App were launched.
8. National Brain Stem Death Certification Guidelines and National Guidelines on Swap Transplantation were released to strengthen the organ transplantation framework.

Prelims pointers

• 16th Indian Organ Donation Day.
• National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) is under the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
• India's global rank in living donor organ transplants (first) and total organ transplants (third).
• Names of launched initiatives: 'Jug Jug Jiyo Abhiyaan', e-प्रत्यारोपण Platform, NOTTO Mobile App.
• Types of guidelines released: National Brain Stem Death Certification Guidelines and National Guidelines on Swap Transplantation.

Mains practice question

Examine the challenges faced in promoting organ donation in India and discuss the significance of recent government initiatives in strengthening the organ transplantation framework. (150 words)

Static linkage

Organ donation and transplantation are critical components of public health, addressing the shortage of organs for patients with end-stage organ failure. The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) functions under the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare as the apex body for all activities relating to organ and tissue donation and transplantation in India. The legal framework for organ donation is governed by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act.

Significance

The observance of Indian Organ Donation Day and the launch of new initiatives underscore the government's commitment to enhancing the organ donation ecosystem. Strengthening the movement can save lives by increasing the availability of organs, reduce the burden of organ-related diseases, and promote ethical practices in transplantation. The new platforms and guidelines aim to streamline the process, improve transparency, and build public trust, which is crucial for encouraging more people to pledge for organ donation. India's global standing in transplants highlights its potential for further growth in this critical healthcare area.