Doctor calls for organ donation to meet demand, offer healthy life for patients

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Dr. Pradeep Krishna R.V., senior consultant at Apollo Hospitals in Bengaluru and Dr. Pradeep Kumar J.K., of Sushodha Institute of Gastroenterology, at a press conference in Shivamogga on Sunday. | Photo Credit: S.K. Dinesh

Dr. K.V. Pradeep Krishna, senior consultant at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, has called upon the public to come forward to donate organs to meet the growing demand and give patients a second chance at life.

Dr. Krishna, who has performed several organ transplantation surgeries, delivered a talk on the importance of organ donation at a programme organised by the Sushodha Institute of Gastroenterology in Shivamogga on Sunday, to mark World Organ Donation Day.

India recorded more than 20,000 organ transplants in 2025 alone, he said. However, the demand for organs continues to grow, with more than 90,000 patients on the waiting list for major organ transplants across the country as of March 2026. “The figures from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) highlight the need for greater awareness to encourage people to consider organ donation,” he said.

Dr. Krishna said organ donation was one of the most powerful acts of compassion. While transplantation techniques had advanced significantly, the shortage of organs remained a major challenge. “Brain-dead individuals, once cleared by a panel of experts, can donate the heart, kidneys and lungs. Transplantation procedures have to be completed within a strict timeline. In the case of brain-dead patients, family members and relatives can volunteer to donate the organs,” he said.

He said patients with chronic liver disease could lead a healthy life after liver transplantation, adding that a living individual could donate a part of the liver for transplantation. “There are many cases where patients have recovered fully after liver transplantation,” he said.

Rajashekharaiah, a resident of Shivamogga who underwent a liver transplantation four months ago, shared his experience at the programme. His daughter had donated a part of her liver for the transplantation.

Dr. Pradeep Kumar J.M., Hepatologist and Endoscopist at the Sushodha Institute of Gastroenterology, was also present at the programme.

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