Karnataka Sets Record with 198 Organ Donors in 2025, Ranks 3rd Nationally

Karnataka has achieved a significant milestone in the field of organ donation, registering its highest-ever annual figure in 2025. The state's Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation, Jeevasarthakathe (SOTTO), recorded donations from 198 organ donors this year, breaking its previous record of 178 donors set in 2023.

Karnataka's National Standing and Donor Demographics

This achievement places Karnataka as the third-highest performing state in India for organ donations. It stands behind Tamil Nadu, which leads with 267 donors, and Telangana with 205 donors. The data reveals a positive trend, rebounding from 162 donors in 2024. A gender-wise breakdown shows that out of the total 198 donors, 150 were male and 48 were female.

Breakdown of Organs Retrieved and Future Challenges

The record number of donors facilitated the retrieval of a wide range of life-saving organs and tissues. Kidneys were the most donated, with 306 retrievals, followed closely by 288 corneas. Medical teams also retrieved 167 livers, 76 heart valves, 50 hearts, 29 lungs, 33 skin grafts, 2 bone grafts, and 1 small bowel.

Dr. Ravishankar Shetty K, the state coordinator for Jeevasarthakathe, credited increased public awareness for the record numbers. However, he highlighted a key challenge: 80-85% of donations are still concentrated in Bengaluru and Mysuru. "For the next year, our aim is to increase donations at the district level by creating more awareness there and encouraging donations through medical college hospitals and Non-Transplant Human Organ Retrieval Centres (NTHORCs)," Dr. Shetty told TOI.

Addressing the Waiting List and Strategic Collaborations

The need for sustained efforts is critical, as approximately 5,500 patients in Karnataka are still awaiting organ transplants. The majority, about 4,700, need kidneys, while around 650 are on the waitlist for livers.

To bridge this gap, SOTTO has initiated strategic partnerships. Earlier this year, it collaborated with the police department. Under this initiative, a Deputy Superintendent of Police-rank officer will act as a nodal officer to identify accident-prone areas and coordinate with hospitals to share information on potential organ donors from head injury cases.

Furthermore, SOTTO plans to partner with the higher education department to amplify awareness campaigns and encourage more students to pledge their organs. These multi-pronged approaches aim to build a more robust and equitable organ donation ecosystem across the state.

Organ Donors in Karnataka (2016-2025):