Organ transplants in India rise fourfold to nearly 20,000 in 2025, says Health Ministry
The Union Health Ministry said on 22 February 2026 that organ transplants in India rose about fourfold, from under 5,000 in 2013 to nearly 20,000 in 2025, with the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) leading the effort.
Summary
The Union Health Ministry said on 22 February 2026 that organ transplants in India rose about fourfold, from under 5,000 in 2013 to nearly 20,000 in 2025, with the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) leading the effort. About 18% of transplants now use organs from deceased donors, and more than 1,200 families donated a deceased relative's organs in 2025. More than 4.8 lakh citizens have pledged organs and tissues through an Aadhaar-based verification system since 17 September 2023, and the Ministry said India performs more hand transplants than any other country. The Prime Minister had highlighted organ donation in that day's Mann Ki Baat.
Key facts
- Date
- 22 February 2026
- Transplants
- Under 5,000 (2013) to nearly 20,000 (2025)
- Deceased donors
- About 18% of transplants; 1,200+ donor families in 2025
- Pledges
- 4.8 lakh+ via Aadhaar-based system since 17 September 2023
- World lead
- Most hand transplants of any country
- Body
- NOTTO
Practice MCQs 3 questions
About how many organ transplants were performed in India in 2025, according to the Health Ministry?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 20,000
Transplants rose from under 5,000 in 2013 to nearly 20,000 in 2025.
In which type of transplant does India lead the world, performing more than any other country, according to the Health Ministry in February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Hand transplants
The Ministry said India performs a greater number of hand transplants than any other country.
Consider the following statements about organ donation in India, as reported by the Health Ministry in February 2026: 1. About 18% of transplants are performed with organs from deceased donors. 2. More than 4.8 lakh citizens have pledged organs through an Aadhaar-based verification system since September 2023. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. About 18% of transplants use deceased-donor organs, and over 4.8 lakh citizens have pledged via the Aadhaar-based system since 17 September 2023.