On August 13, the world observes World Organ Donation Day — a reminder that the simple act of pledging your organs can give someone a second chance at life. Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that over 130,000 solid organ transplants are performed each year — but that’s only about 10 per cent of the worldwide need.
But in India, the shortage is stark. “Every year, over 1.8 lakh Indians develop end-stage kidney disease, yet only about 12,000 kidney transplants take place across the country. Even a small increase in organ donation rates could help thousands of patients get a second chance at life,” said Dr. Sushanth Kulkarni, Senior Consultant Urologist, Laparoscopic and Renal Transplant surgeon at CARE Hospitals. “By pledging to donate organs, each of us can make a profound difference.”
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The urgency extends to heart and lung patients. “Many patients with advanced heart or lung disease are left with no treatment options except a transplant. Without timely donor organs, they often lose their battle for life,” added Dr. Pramod Reddy Kandakure, Clinical Director, Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery at CARE Hospitals.
An organ donor can be anyone whose healthy organs are transplanted to patients in urgent need, either after brain death or cardiac death. India’s organ donation rate is just 0.86 per million population, far behind the global average. Experts stress that raising awareness and encouraging early pledging is the only way to bridge this gap.
This year, Mankind Pharma, India’s fourth-largest pharma company, has launched a powerful video campaign featuring Amitabh Bachchan. Themed “Live Beyond Your Life”, it seeks to inspire more Indians to register as donors. “Our campaign reflects our commitment to tackling one of India’s most pressing health challenges,” said Rajeev Juneja, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mankind Pharma. “Registering as an organ donor is a simple step, yet it can change and even save multiple lives. We call upon every Indian to take this pledge.”
According to Dr. Kanika Rastogi, Deputy Director – National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), campaigns like these are crucial. "India’s low organ donation rate has left thousands waiting for a second chance at life. Just one donor has the power to save up to eight lives, a gift of hope that truly extends beyond our own. This World Organ Donation Day, take the pledge."