Karnataka emerges third in organ donation, records strong growth in 2025

With 198 organ donations in 2025, Karnataka has secured the third position nationwide, marking a clear rise from 2023 and highlighting steady progress in the state’s organ donation efforts.

Karnataka has marked a significant achievement in the field of organ donation by securing third place nationally in 2025. According to official data from the Jeevasarthakathe and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO), the state recorded 198 organ donors during the year.

This performance represents a clear improvement compared to earlier years. In 2023, Karnataka had reported 178 organ donations, while the number rose to 198 in 2025, highlighting sustained progress despite challenges in awareness and logistics.

As per state-wise organ donation figures for 2025, Tamil Nadu topped the list with 267 donations, followed by Telangana with 205. Karnataka stood third with 198 donations. Maharashtra recorded 153 donations, while Gujarat followed closely with 152.

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The 2025 Karnataka data further shows that from the 198 donors, a total of 564 organs were transplanted and 397 tissues were retrieved. In terms of donor categories, 120 donations were from medico-legal cases (MLC), while 78 were from non-medico-legal cases (NMLC).

Gender-wise statistics indicate that 150 male donors and 48 female donors contributed to organ donation in the state during the year.

A closer look at the organ and tissue-wise breakup reveals the scale of impact. In 2025, Karnataka recorded donations of 50 hearts, 29 lungs, 167 livers and 306 kidneys. In addition, one small bowel transplant was carried out. Tissue donations included 288 corneas, 33 skin grafts, 76 heart valves and two bone donations.

The long-term trend also reflects consistent growth. Karnataka recorded 70 donations in 2016, 68 in 2017, 89 in 2018, 105 in 2019, a sharp dip to 35 in 2020, followed by recovery with 70 in 2021, 151 in 2022, 178 in 2023, 162 in 2024 and a peak of 198 in 2025.

Officials note that improved hospital coordination, timely identification of donors and stronger transplant systems have played a key role in this progress. Karnataka’s performance in 2025 reinforces its position as one of India’s leading states in organ and tissue donation.

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