A second chance at life: Organ transplants and India's medical advancements

Organ transplantation, once considered a miracle, has become a cornerstone of modern medicine, saving thousands of lives annually. India's progress in this field has been remarkable, with the number of annual transplants increasing from fewer than 5,000 in 2013 to over 18,000 by 2023. This advancement is attributed to innovations in surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive procedures for living donors, which allow for faster recovery. Developments in organ preservation, including new cold-storage and ex vivo machine perfusion solutions, have significantly extended the viability of organs, enabling them to travel further and stay functional longer. These innovations have reduced geographic barriers and increased the chances of successful transplants. The country now ranks third globally in the number of transplants performed in 2023, after the United States and China.

Matching donors and recipients has also become more precise, with improved HLA typing and desensitization techniques making it possible to perform transplants across different blood groups and immune systems. Modern immunosuppressants have drastically reduced rejection rates, leading to better long-term outcomes and an improved quality of life for recipients. A transplanted kidney today has a 10-year survival rate of over 90%, with similar success seen in heart, liver, and lung transplants. Founder-Chairman of the Apollo Hospitals Group, Dr. Prathap C Reddy, emphasizes that every successful transplant reflects the power of human generosity, scientific excellence, and policy vision, giving recipients a second chance at life and restoring stability and hope to families. Moving forward, continued investment in organ donation awareness, strengthening transplant infrastructure, and embracing innovation are essential to ensure that no one dies waiting for an organ.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.