India Triples Organ Donations over Past Decade says Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, announced on Thursday that India has tripled its rate of organ donation in the last decade. "Over 15,000 organ donations are now made in the country each year, up from 5,000 in 2013," Mandaviya said, adding, "There cannot be a greater service to humanity than giving life to another person." Dr. Mandaviya was scheduled to speak at the 13th Indian Organ Donation Day (IODD) ceremony later this week in New Delhi.

The 13th IODD ceremony was held to honour deceased donor families for their courageous decision to donate their loved ones' organs, to raise awareness about deceased organ donation, and to honour medical professionals working in the field of organ donation and transplantation. In his address to the gathering, Dr Mandaviya noted that it is critical to identify and appreciate the contributions of all those who have participated in this attempt. "In 2013, around 5000 people came forward to donate their organs," the Union Minister said. Every year, almost 15,000 people donate their organs." The Union Minister stated that the Union Government has made a number of initiatives to increase organ donation in the country. He stated that the length of leave for organ donors has been raised from 30 to 60 days, that the age limit of 65 years has been abolished, and that the process of organ donation has been further streamlined.

He also indicated that the government is committed to enacting additional regulations and reforms to promote organ donation in the country. Dr Mandaviya praised the motivation and dedication of organ donors, their family members, and members of civic society. In this regard, the Minister asked the organ recipients to publicise this noble deed and encourage others to give their organs for the benefit of humanity. Angdaan Mahotsav is being observed all over the country reaching from city to village level with the involvement of Central Government Ministries, State/UT Government/Hospitals/Institutions and Medical Colleges, NGOs and other stakeholders. As part of the campaign, the month of July 2023 was observed as Organ Donation Month. Various activities towards the promotion of organ and tissue donation namely National Webinars, Cyclothon, Walkathon, Organ donation pledging and National Slogan competition through the Government of India’s digital platform, MyGov have been initiated.