Organ Transplantation in India: 13,476 Kidney Transplants in 2024
Why in the news
Analysis published on 24 June 2025 highlighted the large gap in India’s organ transplantation system. Only 13,476 kidney transplants were done in 2024, against a recommended level of 1 lakh a year.
Key facts
- Deceased donation rate: below one donor per million population, against a stated need of 65 per million.
- Annual renal failure cases: about 1.8 lakh; transplants: only about 6,000.
- Donor numbers rose from 6,916 in 2014 to 16,041 in 2022.
- India ranks third in total transplants after the USA and China.
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Kidney transplants, 2024 | 13,476 |
| Recommended yearly target | 1 lakh |
| Donors, 2014 | 6,916 |
| Donors, 2022 | 16,041 |
About the framework
The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 (amended 2011) regulates donation and sets penalties for violations. NOTTO, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization, coordinates procurement, distribution and the registry, supported by 5 regional and 14 state bodies. Guidelines revised in 2023 removed the 65-year age limit for deceased donor registration and the state domicile condition.
Exam angle
- Remember THOA 1994 and NOTTO.
- Gaps cited: infrastructure, skilled staff, delays, funding and low awareness.