Mumbai Sees 20% Rise in Organ Donations in 2024

Mumbai Sees 20% Rise in Organ Donations in 2024

Mumbai has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024, setting a new record for organ donations since the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre (ZTCC), which oversees organ donation activities in the city, the number of Brain Stem Death (BSD) donors has increased by 20 percent this year, rising from 50 in 2023 to 60 in 2024. This surge has had a profound impact on saving lives, as the total number of organs retrieved has also seen a significant rise, from 143 organs in 2023 to 162 in 2024.

The donations included essential organs such as 93 kidneys, 51 livers, 2 pancreases, 8 hearts, 7 lungs, and 1 small bowel. Additionally, tissue donations showed encouraging growth with 21 corneas, 4 skin donations, 9 bones, and 2 bilateral ankle tendons retrieved, compared to the previous year’s totals of 16 corneas, 2 skin donations, and 7 bones. This marks a major improvement in both organ and tissue donation rates. Brain Stem Death (BSD) occurs when all brain activity ceases, while the heart continues to beat, typically due to trauma or brain injury. Although the individual is declared clinically dead, organs remain viable for transplant, making BSD donors critical in addressing the shortage of available organs. The ZTCC notes that each donor can save up to eight lives, and tissue donations can significantly improve the quality of life for numerous others.

Dr S K Mathur, President of ZTCC, credited the increase in BSD donations to not only medical advancements but also heightened public awareness about the importance of organ donation. Despite a slight decline in heart donations, the overall trend has been positive, especially for kidney and liver donations, which are crucial for patients with end-stage organ failure. Experts believe that the rise in donations post-Covid can be attributed to increased awareness campaigns, improved hospital coordination, and the resolution of pandemic-related disruptions. Public hospitals, traditionally lagging behind in organ transplants, are now being positioned to play a pivotal role in enhancing donation rates. In 2024, the Maharashtra government approved a policy to upgrade 25 state-run medical colleges, including JJ Hospital in Mumbai, to establish critical care units and specialized transplant teams.

To further enhance organ donation efforts, KEM Hospital has already appointed three critical care specialists to manage potential donors in intensive care units. Dr Bharat Shah, General Secretary of ZTCC, emphasized the need for public hospitals to establish dedicated transplant coordinator teams and follow standardized protocols for brain death detection and donor viability. Regular training programmes for medical and support staff will ensure adherence to best global practices in organ donation. Public awareness remains crucial in sustaining this momentum. Collaborative campaigns with NGOs, educational institutions, and community groups will help address cultural and religious concerns surrounding organ donation, ensuring continued growth in donation rates.