Karnataka has marked a significant achievement in organ donation, reporting its highest-ever annual tally in 2025. The state recorded 198 organ donors, showcasing the increasing public awareness and effective coordination in organ and tissue transplantation.
This remarkable milestone was accomplished by Jeevasarthakathe, Karnataka’s State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO). With 198 donors in 2025, the state secured the third position nationally in organ donations, following Tamil Nadu and Telangana. This figure surpasses the previous record of 178 donors set in 2023, with a steady increase from 162 donors in 2024.
Among the 198 donors, 150 were male and 48 were female. A total of 306 kidneys were retrieved, representing the most donated organs, followed by 288 corneas and 167 livers. Other significant contributions included 76 heart valves, 50 hearts, 29 lungs, 33 skin grafts, two bone donations, and one small bowel. This diversity in organ donations highlights the improved collaboration between hospitals and transplant teams.
Officials have observed that approximately 80–85 percent of organ donations are sourced from Bengaluru, with Mysuru contributing a lesser share. Dr. Ravishankar Shetty K, the state coordinator of SOTTO, noted that the primary goal for 2026 is to enhance participation at the district level. The plans involve expanding awareness programs and promoting donations through medical college hospitals and Non-Transplant Human Organ Retrieval Centres (NTHORCs).
Despite this record achievement, around 5,500 patients in Karnataka remain on the waiting list for transplants, including approximately 4,700 kidney patients and 650 liver patients. To mitigate this gap, SOTTO has collaborated with the police department to identify accident-prone areas and potential donation cases. Furthermore, they are planning partnerships with the higher education department to inspire students across the state to pledge organ donations.
Q1. What was Karnataka's organ donation tally in 2025?
Answer: Karnataka recorded its highest ever organ donation tally in 2025 with 198 donors, marking a significant increase in public awareness and institutional efforts.
Q2. Which organization coordinates organ transplantation in Karnataka?
Answer: The Karnataka State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) is responsible for coordinating organ and tissue transplantation in the state.
Q3. What types of organs were most commonly donated in 2025?
Answer: In 2025, the most commonly donated organs in Karnataka were kidneys, with 306 retrieved, followed by 288 corneas and 167 livers.
Q4. What are the future plans for organ donation in Karnataka?
Answer: SOTTO plans to enhance district-level participation and expand awareness programs to encourage organ donations through various medical institutions and educational partnerships.
Q5. How many patients are currently awaiting transplants in Karnataka?
Answer: Approximately 5,500 patients in Karnataka are awaiting transplants, including around 4,700 kidney patients and 650 liver patients.
Question 1: What was the number of organ donors in Karnataka in 2025?
A) 150
B) 178
C) 198
D) 210
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: Which state ranked first in organ donations in India in 2025?
A) Karnataka
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Telangana
D) Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the primary focus for SOTTO in 2026?
A) Increase donor numbers
B) Improve hospital facilities
C) Expand urban donations
D) Focus on medical research
Correct Answer: A
Question 4: How many kidneys were retrieved in Karnataka in 2025?
A) 288
B) 306
C) 250
D) 278
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What percentage of donations come from Bengaluru?
A) 60-65%
B) 70-75%
C) 80-85%
D) 90-95%
Correct Answer: C
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