New Delhi [India], August 3 (ANI): Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Saturday emphasised the importance of organ donors and said that their selfless act has transformed grief into hope and loss into lives for many in society.

Addressing the ceremony of 15th Indian Organ Donation Day, Nadda said, 'Each organ donor is a silent hero, someone whose selfless act transforms grief into hope and loss into lives. One person can save up to 8 lives by donating heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestines. Additionally, countless more lives can be transformed through tissue donations.'

Highlighting the strides made by India in the direction of organ donation, Nadda stated that 'since the launch of Aadhar-based NOTTO online pledge website in 2023, more than 3.30 lakh citizens have pledged their organs to donate, marking a historic moment in public participation. This surge in pledge registration reflects a growing awareness and dedication amongst the citizens towards this shared goal.'

He further added that 'due to the unwavering dedication of our transplant professionals, India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year. This is a significant leap from fewer than 5,000 transplants in 2013. India ranks third globally in the total number of organ transplants, behind only the United States of America and China.'

Underlining the Government's efforts for organ transplantation, Shri Nadda stated that 'to make organ transplant more accessible, financial support of up to Rs 15 lakh is provided to poor patients for transplantation of kidneys, liver, heart and lungs under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi. Poor patients are provided support of up to Rs 10,000 per month after transplant to cover the medical expenses. Kidney transplant package has also been included in Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri- Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).'

Nadda extended his gratitude to the donor families for their courage, compassion, and sacrifice, and commended the doctors, coordinators, nurses, NGOs, and other stakeholders for their 'unwavering dedication that makes the second chance at life possible.'

He also acknowledged the work done by States and Union Territories for augmenting organ donation and transplants and urged them to learn from best practices implemented by the different states. (ANI)