India's Unprecedented Surge in Organ Transplants: A Testament to Medical Excellence

India has reached a historic milestone in the medical field, surpassing 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, a landmark achievement as stated by Union Health Minister J P Nadda. This represents a dramatic increase since 2013, when fewer than 5,000 transplants were performed.

Addressing the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation event, Nadda highlighted India's global third-ranking in organ transplants, following the United States and China. He expressed concern over the existing gap between organ need and availability, attributing it to myths and lack of awareness rather than willingness.

Efforts continue to educate the public on organ donation's significance, with initiatives like the Aadhaar-based NOTTO online pledge, which has seen over 3.30 lakh pledges. The government also supports financially struggling patients through the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi and the Ayushman Bharat scheme, while endorsing yoga and Ayurveda for preventive health.

(With inputs from agencies.)