Karnataka Records Highest-Ever Organ Donations in 2025

Karnataka has set a new benchmark in organ donation, registering its highest-ever annual tally in 2025. The state recorded 198 organ donors during the year, reflecting growing public awareness and institutional coordination in the area of organ and tissue transplantation.

Record Performance and National Ranking

The milestone was achieved by Jeevasarthakathe, Karnataka’s State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO). With 198 donors in 2025, Karnataka ranked third nationally in state-wise organ donations, behind Tamil Nadu and Telangana. The figure surpasses the state’s previous record of 178 donors in 2023 and marks a steady rise from 162 donors in 2024.

Donor Profile and Organs Retrieved

Of the 198 donors, 150 were male and 48 female. A total of 306 kidneys were retrieved, making them the most donated organs, followed by 288 corneas and 167 livers. Other significant donations included 76 heart valves, 50 hearts, 29 lungs, 33 skin grafts, two bone donations, and one small bowel. The diversity and volume of organs retrieved underscore improved coordination between hospitals and transplant teams.

Urban Concentration and Expansion Plans

Officials noted that nearly 80–85 per cent of donations continue to originate from Bengaluru, with Mysuru contributing a smaller share. Dr Ravishankar Shetty K, state coordinator of SOTTO, stated that the focus for 2026 will be on increasing district-level participation. Plans include expanding awareness programmes and encouraging donations through medical college hospitals and Non-Transplant Human Organ Retrieval Centres (NTHORCs).

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Karnataka recorded 198 organ donors in 2025, its highest ever.
• The state ranked third nationally in organ donations.
• Kidneys and corneas were the most retrieved organs.
• SOTTO coordinates organ and tissue transplantation in Karnataka.

Bridging the Demand-Supply Gap

Despite the record achievement, nearly 5,500 patients in Karnataka are still awaiting transplants, including around 4,700 kidney and 650 liver patients. To address this gap, SOTTO has partnered with the police department to identify accident-prone zones and potential donation cases, and is planning collaborations with the higher education department to encourage more students to pledge organ donation across the state.