Tamil Nadu, which accounted for nearly 24% of deceased donors in the country last year, has seen 240 deceased donors so far this year, up from nearly 268 last year.
Official data showed that a total of 1,128 deceased donors were recorded in the country in 2024, of which 80% were from five states – Tamil Nadu (268), Telangana (188), Maharashtra (172), Karnataka (162) and Gujarat (119).
N. Gopalakrishnan, member secretary, Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu (TRANSTAN), said the share of 23.7% of the total number of deceased donors in the country is significant for the state. “Tamil Nadu has set a pattern for an organ transplant program that is nuanced and complex. There are not only medical and technical issues but also emotional, psychological, ethical and legal issues. Several sectors have worked together to create a transparent program and gain public trust. We have a robust and transparent organ allocation policy,” he said.
In 2024, TN recorded its all-time high of 268 deceased donors. According to data on the TRANSTAN website, a total of 1,446 major and minor organs, including tissues, were transplanted. He said the state has the potential to perform better. “So far this year, we have recorded 240 deceased donors. The state government and TRANSTAN aim to strengthen the system in every possible way,” he said.
Dr. Gopalakrishnan said that the medical and non-medical staff are consistently supported and their performance is reviewed regularly. TRANSTAN plans to conduct regular reorientation programs and refresher sessions for doctors, which it has previously conducted in association with Madras Medical College.
Since the state government announced state honors for deceased donors in September 2023, 573 honors have been conferred, he added. A “Wall of Honour” is now being set up in all Government Medical College Hospitals to pay tribute to deceased donors. In order to involve medical students in the program, a student charter program of organ donation from the deceased has been started, which has been established in 11 medical faculties so far, he added.
Published – 26 Nov 2025 21:19 IST
