In 2024, Mumbai achieved a remarkable milestone in organ donation by recording its highest number of Brain Stem Death (BSD) donations since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to data from the Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre (ZTCC), there was a significant 20% increase in BSD donors this year, rising from 50 last year to 60. This increase has led to a notable rise in organ donations, ultimately saving more lives.
In 2024, Mumbai recorded a total of 60 BSD donors, leading to the recovery of 162 organs—an increase of 20% from 2023, when there were 50 donors and 143 organs retrieved. The major organ donations included 93 kidneys, 51 livers, 2 pancreases, 8 hearts, 7 lungs, and 1 small bowel. Tissue donations also showed improvement, with 21 corneas, 4 skin donations, 9 bones, and 2 bilateral ankle tendons collected in 2024, up from 16 corneas, 2 skin donations, and 7 bones in the previous year.
Brain Stem Death (BSD) is defined as the total and irreversible cessation of all brain activity, even though the heart continues to function. This condition often results from severe trauma or brain injuries. Although the individual is declared clinically dead, their organs remain viable for transplantation, making BSD donors crucial in addressing the ongoing shortage of organs for transplants. This practice is also known as cadaver organ donation.
The increase in BSD donations has important clinical consequences. Dr. S K Mathur, president of ZTCC Mumbai, stated, “One organ donor has the potential to save as many as eight lives, and tissue donations can significantly improve the quality of life for numerous individuals. To address this issue, the Maharashtra government implemented a policy in 2024 focused on enhancing 25 state-run medical colleges by equipping them with critical care units and trained staff to encourage organ donation.
Comparative statistics reveal important trends. Kidney donations increased significantly from 75 in 2023 to 93 in 2024, and liver donations rose from 44 to 51 during the same period. Both organs are essential for patients suffering from end-stage organ failure. However, heart donations slightly declined from 16 in the previous year to just 8 this year.
Tissue donations have also experienced positive growth. Dr. Bharat Shah, general secretary of ZTCC, noted that these tissues are vital for treating burn victims and performing reconstructive surgeries.
Experts attribute the increase in organ donations following COVID-19 to ongoing awareness campaigns, better coordination among hospitals, and the resolution of pandemic-related challenges. Public hospitals are particularly well-positioned to enhance organ donation rates; historically, they have lagged despite having a high incidence of trauma cases.
To address this issue, the Maharashtra government implemented a policy in 2024 focused on enhancing 25 state-run medical colleges by equipping them with critical care units and trained staff to encourage organ donation. Notable institutions like Mumbai’s JJ Hospital and six other major medical colleges will become nodal transplant centers. Additionally, KEM Hospital has taken proactive steps by appointing three critical care specialists dedicated to identifying potential donors and maintaining their viability in intensive care units.
Dr. Shah emphasized that for these initiatives to be effective, public hospitals must establish dedicated teams of transplant coordinators responsible for identifying donors and counseling families. Implementing standardized protocols for early detection of brain death and ensuring donor viability is crucial. Regular training programs for medical staff can help maintain adherence to global best practices in organ donation.
