Telangana Becomes India’s Top State in Organ Donation for 2024

Jan Jagran Darpan | Health Desk | Fact-Checked Report

In a proud moment for public health in India, Telangana has secured the number one spot in the country for organ donation in 2024, according to official data. The state’s consistent efforts in promoting awareness and streamlining the donation process have saved hundreds of lives, bringing national recognition to its doorstep.

188 Donors, 725 Lives Saved

Throughout 2024, Telangana recorded 188 brain-dead individuals whose families came forward to donate organs. These generous donations led to 725 successful organ transplants, offering a fresh lease on life to patients across the state and beyond.

As per official data, Telangana’s organ donation rate stands at 4.88 donations per 10 lakh people, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.8. This major gap highlights how far ahead Telangana is in this life-saving mission.

National Recognition by NOTTO

The efforts of the state were officially honoured during the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day held in New Delhi. The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) awarded Telangana for having the highest organ donation rate in the country. The award was presented by Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda to representatives from Jeevandan, the state’s official organ donation programme. Jeevandan has been the backbone of Telangana’s organ donation achievements.

Health Minister Speaks

Telangana’s Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha expressed happiness and pride at this recognition. He shared that Jeevandan was first launched in the year 2012, when Telangana was still part of undivided Andhra Pradesh.

The Minister said that the state strictly follows the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) to make sure that organ allocation is done in a fair and transparent way, regardless of a person’s economic background. 

He also made a strong appeal to the public: “Whenever a case of brain death happens, families should come forward to donate organs. One donor can save many lives, and we must not let this opportunity go waste,” he said. He also confirmed that organ transplant surgeries are done free of cost under the state’s Aarogyasri health scheme, so that no one is left behind due to financial issues.

New Law to Strengthen Organ Donation Rules

In March 2025, the state government passed a new law called the Telangana Transplantation of Human Organs Bill, 2025 in the State Assembly. The new Bill replaces the older 1995 Act that had been in effect since the time of united Andhra Pradesh.

The main aim of the new law is to:

• Update the state’s rules in line with the Central Government’s THOTA Act (1994)
• Crack down on illegal organ trade
• Promote ethical organ donations with proper monitoring and regulation

This legal reform is a step towards better accountability, transparency, and safety in organ donation and transplant procedures.

Editorial View

After thoroughly reviewing official reports and state health data, the Jan Jagran Darpan editorial team confirms: Telangana’s commitment to organ donation has set a shining example for other states.

From strong awareness campaigns to timely surgeries under public health schemes, the state has made life-saving healthcare more accessible. The award from NOTTO is not just a token of appreciation — it’s a recognition of years of groundwork, policy changes, and public participation.

We strongly urge other states to study Telangana’s model, adopt best practices, and encourage citizens to register as organ donors.

Because in the end, organ donation is the gift of life — and Telangana is showing the nation how it’s done.