Mumbai set a new record for organ donations in 2024, achieving its highest number of Brain Stem Death (BSD) donations since the Covid-19 pandemic. According to data from the Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre (ZTCC), which reviews organ donations in the city, there was a 20% increase in BSD donors this year, rising from 50 in 2023 to 60 in 2024. This surge in donations led to a significant rise in organ transplants, ultimately saving more lives!
But what is Brain Stem Death?
Brain Stem Death (BSD) is a condition in which all brain activity permanently ceases, although the heart may still be beating. This state, typically caused by severe brain injuries or trauma, makes organ retrieval possible. A single organ donor can potentially save up to eight lives, and tissue donations further improve the quality of life for recipients.
Return of cadaver organ donations to pre-Covid levels
In 2024, Mumbai achieved a remarkable milestone in organ donations, recording 60 Brain Stem Death (BSD) donors, a 20% increase from 2023, which had 50 BSD donors. This surge led to the retrieval of 162 organs, up from 143 the previous year. Among the key donations were 93 kidneys, 51 livers, 2 pancreases, 8 hearts, 7 lungs, and 1 small bowel. Tissue donations also saw significant growth, with 21 corneas, 4 skin donations, 9 bones, and 2 bilateral ankle tendons retrieved, compared to 16 corneas, 2 skin donations, and 7 bones in 2023.
The increase in specific organ donations was particularly notable, with kidney donations rising by 24% from 75 to 93, and liver donations growing by 16% from 44 to 51. Corneal donations jumped by 31%, further highlighting the progress in tissue donation.
Dr. Bharat Shah, General Secretary of the Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre (ZTCC), expressed satisfaction with the return of cadaver organ donations to pre-Covid levels, attributing this success to sustained awareness campaigns, improved hospital coordination, and the easing of Covid-related disruptions. Public hospitals, once behind in organ transplants despite handling numerous trauma cases, are now making significant strides in organ donation efforts, including the resumed donation of bones after a three-year gap.
