Growing Momentum in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu’s Rise in Deceased Organ Donation 2024: Tamil Nadu continued to lead the country in deceased organ donation in 2024, achieving a remarkable milestone with 268 deceased donors, the highest ever recorded by the State. This performance reflects the State’s long-standing commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and public awareness on cadaver donation. The steady improvement also highlights the collaborative work of hospitals, NGOs, and government authorities.
National Contribution and State Ranking
India recorded 1,128 deceased donors in 2024, and Tamil Nadu alone contributed 268, reinforcing its leadership in organ donation. Along with Tamil Nadu, Telangana (188), Maharashtra (172), Karnataka (162), and Gujarat (119) accounted for nearly 80% of the nation’s deceased donors. This distribution shows how certain States have built effective mechanisms, while many others still face challenges in scaling up donation systems.
Static GK fact: India’s first successful heart transplant was performed in 1994 in Chennai, marking a turning point for the country’s transplant ecosystem.
Growth in Organ and Tissue Transplantation
Tamil Nadu performed 1,446 organ and tissue transplants in 2024, indicating the strength of its medical infrastructure. The high utilisation rate of donated organs reflects coordinated efforts between ICUs, transplant teams, and emergency response systems. Strong logistics support, including quick transport corridors and green corridors, has helped reduce ischemic time and improve transplant outcomes.
Static GK Tip: Green corridors were first used in Tamil Nadu in 2008 to facilitate rapid organ transport.
TRANSTAN’s Central Role
The Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu (TRANSTAN) continues to be the backbone of the State’s organ donation program. It ensures transparent allocation of organs through regulated waitlists and digital monitoring systems. TRANSTAN also conducts public awareness campaigns and hospital-based training to build confidence in cadaver donation processes. The authority’s streamlined protocol allows equitable access while improving trust among families.
Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu established TRANSTAN in 2014, making it one of the earliest State-level organ transplant authorities in India.
Strengthening Public Awareness and Infrastructure
Awareness among families has improved substantially over the years, with more people willing to donate organs in cases of brain death. Regular counselling by trained transplant coordinators has encouraged families to take informed decisions. Investments in critical care units, brain-death certification training, and multi-organ retrieval centres have also contributed to the State’s sustained progress.
Way Forward for Organ Donation
Tamil Nadu’s model demonstrates that strong governance, trained medical teams, and clear protocols can significantly boost deceased organ donation. Replicating this model across other States can improve national transplant numbers and reduce the burden on waiting lists. Continued awareness building and hospital readiness will be essential to keep this momentum strong.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Tamil Nadu’s Rise in Deceased Organ Donation 2024:
| Topic | Detail |
| Tamil Nadu deceased donors 2024 | 268 donors, highest ever for the State |
| India’s total deceased donors 2024 | 1,128 donors |
| Top contributing States | Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat |
| Tamil Nadu organ and tissue transplants 2024 | 1,446 transplants |
| TRANSTAN role | Manages organ donation and ensures transparent allocation |
| Share of top five States | Nearly 80% of national deceased donors |
| Key health system feature | Use of green corridors for rapid organ transport |
| National significance | Tamil Nadu continues to lead India in cadaver donation |
| Brain death protocols | Strengthened through hospital-based training |
| Infrastructure support | Multi-organ retrieval centres and ICU readiness |
