India grapples with a significant gap between the demand and supply of organs for transplantation, with only about 10% of patients in need receiving organs. While the country has witnessed remarkable progress, conducting over 15,000 transplants in 2022 from a mere 806 in 2000, more emphasis is required on deceased organ donation to address this issue.Notably, more than 80% of the transplants conducted in 2022 were living donor transplants, which, while valuable, cannot solely meet the growing demand for organs. Encouraging deceased organ donation is essential to bridge the gap and ensure a sustainable solution.Living donor transplants come with inherent risks for the donors and raise concerns about the potential illegal trading of organs. Moreover, certain organs, such as the heart, can only be procured from deceased donors. While Indias organ donation rate has improved from approximately 0.16 in 2012 to 0.52 in 2019, these figures remain significantly lower than international standards.Countries like Spain and the US boast organ donation rates exceeding 40%, while the Union Territory of Chandigarh and Telangana have rates of 33% and over five%, respectively, compared to the national average of less than 1%.The efficient transplantation of donated organs hinges on minimising ischemia time – the period between preserving a tissue or organ after the blood supply is reduced or severed and restoring its blood supply. While this is manageable within the same hospital, challenges arise when organs need to be transported across cities or state boundaries, necessitating coordination among multiple agencies.Reluctance to organ donation from lack of awareness, superstitionThe reluctance to pledge or consent to organ donation often stems from lack of awareness and superstition. The complexity surrounding brain stem death compounds this issue, especially when artificial support sustains heart function.Optimising organ donation requires a comprehensive approach. Proactive government measures are underway to streamline organ transport processes across various ministries, including enabling transport via air, rail, and metro. Recent amendments to metro rules even allow for organ transport through metro rail, with the possibility of exploring drone transport in the future.One effective way to address organ shortage is through individuals pledging their organs during their lifetime. This not only eases the burden on grieving families but also ensures a clear decision when unanimity is difficult to achieve.Addressing the event to mark the 13th Indian Organ Donation Day today, Union Health Minister Dr @mansukhmandviya highlighted how the number of organ donations has increased from 5,000 organ donations per year in 2013 to 15,000 organ donations today with constant efforts from the… pic.twitter.com/REIiiG3qXj— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) August 3, 2023As India observes Indian Organ Donation Day on August 3, it is crucial to uphold both the letter and spirit of the Organ Transplant Act to prevent organ trafficking. Whether a living donor risking their life to save a loved one or a deceased donors family making a generous choice in the midst of their grief, every contribution is invaluable.
