As a result of the efforts of the Government of India, there has been a significant improvement in organ donation in the last few years. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said that compared to 5,000 organ donations in 2013, now more than 15,000 organs are being donated every year in the country. Addressing the program organized for the 13th Indian Organ Donation Day (IODD) celebrations, the Health Minister said, there can be no greater service to humanity than this. Awareness about organ donation was increased among the people, the results of which are being seen.

Significantly, out of 95 lakh people who die every year in India, there are at least one lakh potential donors, yet lakhs of people die every year due to organ failure in the country. It is estimated that there are about 300 deaths every day and about one lakh deaths every year due to organ failure. This danger can be reduced if organ donation can be promoted every year.

Organ donation increased by three times
The IODD ceremony was held to honor the families who had decided to donate the organs of their loved ones. Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya said that it is important to recognize and appreciate the contribution of all those who have been a part of this effort.

The Government of India has made efforts to promote organ donation, whose pleasant results are being seen. Compared to a decade ago, there has been a significant improvement in organ donation, which has increased almost three times. Efforts are being made to increase it further.

Efforts to promote organ donation
As per the data shared, around 5,000 people volunteered for organ donation in 2013, now there are over 15,000 organ donors annually. The government has taken several steps to promote organ donation in the country, the age limit of 65 years has been removed for organ donation. The government is committed to bringing more policies and reforms to popularize organ donation in the country. Millions of lives can be saved every year by promoting organ donation.

Organ donation shortage is still a special problem
Earlier, health experts had expressed concern over the shortage of organ donations in the country. According to doctors, there is a huge gap between demand and transplants, which is causing thousands of deaths in the country. Not just heart and liver, there is a long list of patients waiting for a kidney, cornea, and lung transplants as well.

According to a report by SGPGI Lucknow, due to the wide gap between donors and recipients, an estimated two lakh patients die due to liver failure or liver cancer in India annually. About 10-15% of them could be saved with a timely liver transplant. About 25,000-30,000 liver transplants are required annually in India, but only 1,500 are being performed.

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