AI-generated image used for representation
NEW DELHI: India’s digital organ-donation registry has crossed 4.54 lakh pledges since its launch on September 17, 2023 — but the numbers reveal a striking state-wise divide, with a handful of states driving the national momentum while others lag far behind. According to fresh data from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), Maharashtra tops the country with 1,11,815 digital pledges, followed by Rajasthan (91,043) and Karnataka (52,304), showing a pattern officials describe as a mix of awareness, culture and local engagement.Delhi, despite being a major medical hub, ranks 15th with just 5,506 people pledging their organs. Officials say this is because pledges are linked to Aadhaar and counted in one’s home state. “A large proportion of Delhi residents are from UP, Haryana and other states. Their pledges automatically get added to their state tally,” explained Dr Anil Kumar, Director, NOTTO.Other leading states include Gujarat (41,400), Madhya Pradesh (24,215), Telangana (16,132), Tamil Nadu (14,522), Uttar Pradesh (14,020), Andhra Pradesh (9,919) and Kerala (9,792). Officials noted that Maharashtra’s strong culture of voluntary blood donation reflects in organ pledging as well. “They’re more open and compassionate,” said Dr Kumar.Age trends show the 30–35 age group leading the national pledge map with 1,95,556 registrations, a pattern officials link to “maturity, awareness and better understanding of the subject.” But younger adults are not far behind: 1,35,728 people aged 18–30 have pledged their organs. “The youth need engagement — they are focused on careers, but when motivated, they come forward strongly,” said an official.The gender gap is also narrowing. Male pledgers total 2,44,236, while female pledgers stand at 2,07,749, a difference officials say is “far smaller than expected in a country where health-related decisions often show gender imbalance.”The digital registry also maps organs pledged: liver (3,14,475), heart (3,13,449), lungs (2,87,632), intestine (2,70,802), pancreas (2,73,134) and kidney (1,22,554). Officials caution that pledging doesn’t guarantee that all organs can be donated — after natural death only corneas, skin and bone can be retrieved, while solid organs can be donated only in cases of brain death.Aadhaar-linked registration has made tracking possible for the first time. Earlier, 17–18 lakh people had pledged on paper, but the system could not confirm whether donation actually took place. Now, OTP-based verification ties each pledge to a unique ID — although officials admit many people still hesitate to share Aadhaar due to fear of fraud. “Even though this is a government registry, mistrust remains,” an official said.With the digital platform removing logistical barriers, officials say India’s challenge is now cultural, not technological. As one senior health official put it: “The system is ready. The real question is — how many more Indians are willing to say yes?” Go to Source
