Shillong, Oct 21: India’s kidney transplant scenario presents a stark contrast between supply and demand. According to the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), a mere 6,000 kidney transplants are carried out annually, despite a staggering 2 lakh patients awaiting the lifesaving procedure.

This alarming disparity was highlighted by Dr. Dibya Jyoti Kalita, a renowned Nephrologist from Apeksha Hospital, who recently spearheaded the first-ever kidney transplant in Dibrugarh, Assam.

“The number of organ donors is woefully inadequate,” Dr. Kalita emphasized. “Living donors cannot bridge this gap; we must focus on cadaveric donations to meet the ever-growing demand.”

Cadaveric donations, where organs are harvested from brain-dead patients, hold the key to addressing India’s transplant needs. However, cultural and societal barriers hinder this process.

“Although we’re witnessing a gradual increase in donors nationwide, it’s essential to sensitize and upgrade our donor pool,” Dr. Kalita stressed. “Raising awareness and promoting cadaveric donations will take time, but it’s crucial for meeting the requirement.”

India’s organ donation statistics are dismal. According to NOTTO, the country’s organ donation rate stands at 0.8 per million, significantly lower than developed nations.

“The onus lies on healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to work together,” Dr. Kalita urged. “We must create a culture of organ donation, ensuring no patient succumbs to preventable deaths due to unavailability of organs.”

As India strives to bridge the gap between supply and demand, initiatives like NOTTO’s National Organ Transplant Program aim to boost donations and streamline transplant processes.

Apeksha Hospital’s pioneering effort in Dibrugarh serves as a beacon of hope. By conducting the region’s first kidney transplant, the hospital has paved the way for affordable, quality healthcare in Northeast India.

“Such achievements demonstrate our collective potential,” Dr. Kalita concluded. “Let us work towards a future where every patient receives a second chance at life.”

– 6,000 kidney transplants performed annually in India
– 2 lakh patients awaiting kidney transplants
– India’s organ donation rate is at 0.8 per million
– there is 80% shortfall in meeting kidney transplant demands

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