Only 10,404 registered: Kerala shows lack of interest in organ donation

THRISSUR: While more than one lakh people signed organ donation consent forms in other states, only 10,404 people registered in Kerala last year. In 2024, the number was just around 3,000. Campaigns claiming that organs are taken even from those killed in accidents and that a mafia is involved have created fear. This propaganda discouraged many people from giving consent for organ donation.

Across the country, the highest number of registrations came from Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Large numbers also registered in Karnataka, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra recorded 1.12 lakh registrations, while Rajasthan had 91,283.

In Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram district topped the list with 2,306 registrations. Ernakulam, Kollam, Kozhikode, and Kottayam followed. Most donors were in the 30–45 age group (4,121 people). 621 people above the age of 60 also signed consent forms. The increase in registrations last year was due to awareness campaigns conducted by the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO).

District-wise registrations in Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram: 2,306 Ernakulam: 1,141 Kollam: 959 Kozhikode: 863 Kottayam: 850

Age-wise distribution:

18–30: 3,935 30–45: 4,121 45–60: 1,727 Above 60: 621

States with highest registrations:

Maharashtra: 1,12,593 Rajasthan: 91,283 Karnataka: 53,817 Gujarat: 46,013 Madhya Pradesh: 24,327