World Organ Donation Day: MP’s Organ Donation Contribution Remains Below 2% Despite 50-Fold Rise

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh has experienced a staggering 50-fold increase in organ and cornea donations over the past decade, yet the state continues to lag in organ donations, especially skin donations. In 2023, Madhya Pradesh contributed just 1.6% of India's 16,542 organ transplant procedures. In 2022, the state's contribution was a mere 4.5%.

Experts attribute this poor performance to misconceptions and a lack of awareness surrounding organ donation. The creation of the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO MP) and the introduction of clear protocols by the government have spurred a rise in eye and body donations. The state government has even introduced a state guard of honor for deceased donors during their final rites, as well as green corridors for transporting harvested organs.

However, progress appears limited, with Dr. Rakesh Bhargava, a committee member, noting that while body and eye donations have surged from a few per year in 2016 to 25-30 per month now, skin donations remain underutilized. The need for increased awareness about skin donation, which can save the lives of severe burn victims, is paramount.

Common myths surrounding organ donation, such as it disfiguring the donor's body or being forbidden by certain religions, hinder progress. Additionally, concerns about doctors not exerting the same effort to save potential donors, the financial burden on families, and the belief that age or health status disqualify individuals from donating their organs further contribute to the state's unfavorable organ donation record.