THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Posthumous organ donation has declined in the state with doctors backing away from confirming brain death. Only 14 brain deaths were confirmed in Kerala last year. Meanwhile, 3702 people, who have registered for receiving organs, are waiting for organs to regain their lives.

Only two brain deaths were reported in Government Medical Colleges last year. One each in Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and Sri Chitra. In case of organ donation after brain death in private hospitals where brain deaths are rarely confirmed, one kidney should be given to the government sector. Other organs can be donated to the hospital's own patients.

Two coordinator posts are remaining vacant in K-SOTO, the government agency that coordinates organ donation. This has also affected the functioning.

Obstacles
1. The allegation that organ trade is taking place with the connivance of doctors under the guise of organ donation has raised suspicion among the people. A further allegation is that some doctors are putting patients to death under the pretext of brain death.

2. Attacks by relatives of patients alleging medical negligence also discourage doctors. Relatives refuse organ donation.

3. Consent of the dying patient's wife/ husband, children, father and mother is required for organ donation. Doctors are not ready to talk to them.

Organ donation

2012...................9

2013...................36

2014...................58

2015...................76

2016...................72

2017.................18

2018...................8

2019................19

2020................ 21

2021................17

2022................14

Patients waiting for organs

Kidney................................ 2770

Liver................................... 784

Heart................... ..........63

Hand...................................14

Lungs........................ 4

Pancreas........................ 11

More than one organ.....56