World Kidney Day: Only 2% of Kidney patients gets transplant, thousands die waiting

As the world is observing Kidney Day, this is time for policy makers to think over the barriers for kidney donations. Despite India’s vast population and increasing medical advancements, deceased kidney donations remain rare.

Every year, thousands of Indians suffer from kidney failure cling to the hope of a transplant, but for many, that hope fades with time. With long waiting lists, a severe shortage of cadaver organ donors, and financial barriers, a large number of patients die before ever receiving a transplant.

India performs approximately 14,000 kidney transplants annually, yet fewer than 2,000 of these come from deceased donors. This means the vast majority rely on living donors—family members or close relatives who match their blood type and are willing to donate a kidney. The numbers paint a stark picture of the crisis.

At Aakash Healthcare, for instance, over 200 transplants have been conducted since 2001, but only four involved cadaver donations. Meanwhile, the hospital currently provides dialysis to over 200 patients, yet fewer than 2% ever get the chance for a transplant.

“Regarding the frequency of living versus deceased kidney donations, it has been observed that deceased kidney donation remains uncommon in North India, accounting for approximately 1% or less of the total transplants performed. Kidney transplants continue to be predominantly sourced from living related donors,” said Dr. Reetesh Sharma, Director & Head, Nephrology & Kidney Transplant Medicine, Asian Hospital.

“The primary barrier to organ donation is the lack of public awareness about organ donation after brain death.  organ donation after brain death does not imply that kidneys are retrieved from individuals who have passed away naturally; rather, they are procured from brain-dead donors. These donors are often individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries due to road accidents or strokes and are in state of irreversible coma and are completely machine dependent.  Their brain have no chance of recovery but other organs remain functional. Due to lack of awareness, families often do not consent to organ donation, particularly in times of emotional distress following the sudden loss of a loved one. Grief counselors have major role where counseling is needed for the familiesof brain death victims.” explained Dr. Swati Mane, Nephrology, Consultant, Nephrology, Jupiter Hospital.