Karnataka plans awareness drive to tackle organ shortage

The growing demand for kidney and liver transplants has placed the spotlight on the need to increase organ donation across the state.

Bengaluru: With 6,291 people waiting for organ transplants, Karnataka’s Health Department is working on a new strategy to address the shortage of donated organs and improve access to life-saving treatment. The proposed plan includes public awareness campaigns, stronger hospital infrastructure and better management of transplant-related information.

The growing demand for kidney and liver transplants has placed the spotlight on the need to increase organ donation across the state. Patients often have to wait for years to receive suitable organs, despite improvements in medical facilities and specialised treatment.

Bengaluru is a major destination for advanced healthcare, attracting patients from different parts of the country and abroad. However, the shortage of organs continues to be a significant obstacle for patients whose treatment depends on transplantation.

To address the problem, the Health Department plans to establish an organ transplant vision committee to prepare a long-term roadmap. The committee is expected to focus on increasing donation rates, improving the availability of organs and strengthening the systems through which hospitals identify potential donors and support transplant candidates.

An important component of the proposed plan is the strengthening of brain-death confirmation facilities at district hospitals. Proper and timely certification, following established medical and legal protocols, is essential in cases where deceased-organ donation may be possible. The process must also comply with the applicable consent and authorisation requirements.

The department is considering improvements to organ retrieval facilities in government medical colleges and an expansion of transplant services in government hospitals. It also plans to introduce software to maintain patient details and improve the management of transplant records.

The long waiting periods illustrate the urgency of the issue. Kidney transplant candidates may wait around five years, while patients awaiting liver transplants may face a delay of approximately four-and-a-half years, according to available information.

The government’s Jeeva Sarthakathe initiative has not yet delivered the expected results, underlining the need for stronger implementation and sustained public participation.

The Health Department is also exploring ways to promote organ donation through Kannada film actresses and programmes that recognise the contribution of donors. Such campaigns are expected to explain the importance of donation and help families understand the procedures involved.

Organ donation requires appropriate medical assessment, compliance with legal requirements and the necessary consent. The proposed strategy aims to improve public understanding while strengthening institutional capacity so that more patients can access transplantation when suitable organs become available.