Telangana Leads In Organ Donation, But Demand Outstrips Supply
“There are over 18,000 patients waiting for organs in Telangana, and Jeevandan receives nearly 150 to 200 applications every day”: Dr D. Sree Bhushan Raju, Prof. and head of nephrology at NIMS
HYDERABAD: Telangana continues to be among the leading states in organ donation, recording 5.9 donations per million population compared to the national average of 0.8. Yet thousands of patients remain on waiting lists, experts said at the World Transplant Day event held at a private hospital, underscoring the need for greater awareness and higher donation rates.
Dr D. Sree Bhushan Raju, Prof. and head of nephrology at NIMS, told Deccan Chronicle: “There are over 18,000 patients waiting for organs in Telangana, and Jeevandan receives nearly 150 to 200 applications every day.” He said the programme has grown through collaboration between government and private hospitals, with awareness campaigns involving police, journalists, NGOs and community organisations. Telangana recently introduced financial assistance of ₹10,000 for donor families, though monetary compensation is not permitted.
The demand for transplants continues to rise, with around 15,000 patients awaiting kidney transplants, 3,500–4,000 awaiting liver transplants, 300–500 awaiting heart and lung transplants, and nearly 150 awaiting pancreas transplants. An estimated 12,000–15,000 patients are currently on dialysis across the state.
Prof. James Neuberger, associate medical director, Organ Donation and Transplantation, NHS Blood and Transplant, UK, joining virtually, discussed international practices such as the opt‑out system in Spain and the UK. He said presumed consent alone does not increase donation rates. “Dedicated transplant coordinators, trained healthcare professionals and effective communication with bereaved families play a critical role,” he said.
Experts also highlighted swap transplantation as a solution when direct family donation is not possible. Telangana formally adopted swap provisions in March 2025, encouraging hospitals to expand such programmes.
Despite its success in organ retrieval, Telangana lags in donor registrations. While Maharashtra has more than 1.5 lakh pledges, Telangana has fewer than 20,000.
Dr Sharath Putta, head of liver transplantation, and Tejasvi Rao Veerapalli from a private hospital stressed the importance of organ donation and acknowledged the role of Jeevandan and police‑supported green corridors. Donors and recipients urged authorities to introduce donor cards and recognition benefits similar to those for blood donors.