The award was presented by Union Health Minister JP Nadda to Dr N Gopalakrishnan, Member Secretary of the Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu
Published Aug 03, 2025 | 10:09 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 03, 2025 | 10:09 PM
Representational image.
Synopsis: The Union government has recognised Tamil Nadu with a national award for recording 268 cadaveric organ donations in 2024, the highest in the country. The tally is the state’s highest annual total since the launch of its deceased donor programme in 2008, with 146 donors from government hospitals and 122 from private hospitals.
Tamil Nadu recorded 268 cadaveric organ donations in 2024, the highest in the country as well as its highest annual total since 2008, when its deceased donor programme began. The milestone has been recognised by the Union government with a national award.
Of the 268 donors, 146 (54.48 percent) were from government hospitals and 122 (45.52 percent) from private hospitals. The majority of donors were men (218), while 50 were women.
The award was recently presented by Union Health Minister JP Nadda to Dr N Gopalakrishnan, Member Secretary of the Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu (TRANSTAN).
State Health Minister Ma Subramanian announced the achievement on Saturday, 2 August, at the launch of the ‘Nalam Kaakum Stalin’ scheme in Chennai. He said organ donations have risen sharply since Chief Minister MK Stalin’s announcement on 23 September 2023 that state honours would be accorded to brain-dead organ donors.
TRANSTAN data shows that organs from 2024 donors led to the utilisation of 863 major organs and 637 minor organs. Tamil Nadu had 156 cadaveric donors in 2022, which rose to 178 in 2023 and 268 in 2024, a steady increase reflecting both system-level preparedness and public participation.
The deceased donor programme in Tamil Nadu is widely regarded as a model for other states, for its coordination between government and private hospitals, effective organ allocation system, and growing public awareness.
Chief Minister Stalin recalled his longstanding commitment to organ donation in a post on X:
“When I was the Deputy Chief Minister, I pledged to donate my organs. After assuming office as the Chief Minister, I announced that the government would accord State honours during the last rites of organ donors.”
He added:
“This announcement was made on 23 September 2023. Since then, a total of 479 people, including 268 in the last year, have donated their organs and helped save hundreds of lives. I salute them.”
Stalin’s advocacy for organ donation predates his tenure as Chief Minister. On 11 October 2018, he had written on X:
“I too have registered to donate my organs and tissues for public benefit. I strongly believe that even in death, the body and organs must serve a purpose.”
His consistent public messaging, rooted in personal conviction and supported by policy measures, has played a significant role in fostering a culture of organ donation in the state.
Dr Sundar Sankaran, Nephrologist and Director of the Aster Institute of Renal Transplantation, Bengaluru, welcomed the recognition for Tamil Nadu, saying the achievement reflects a strong culture of organ donation underpinned by medical excellence and public awareness.
“As a transplant nephrologist trained at CMC Vellore, Tamil Nadu, I am very happy to see the state receive the national award for the highest number of cadaveric organ donations in 2024,” he said.
He described the milestone as a collective success made possible by the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals, the compassion of donor families, and well-executed awareness campaigns.
“By leading the nation, Tamil Nadu has set a powerful example of compassion and commitment, offering hope and new life to thousands in need,” he said.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
