Organ failure risk increasing; honour walks boost donations, ETHealthworld

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Madurai: Organ failure is rising due to a cluster of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, coupled with the impact of climate change, leading to a growing demand for donors, said Dr N Gopalakrishnan, member secretary of the Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu (TRANSTAN).

On a positive note, he added that organ donations in the state have been increasing in recent years, thanks to honour walks.

Addressing more than 100 students at Madurai Medical College during the launch of a students’ charter for deceased donors’ organ transplantation, Gopalakrishnan cited recent research by Madras Medical College which revealed that 8.4% of adults in Tamil Nadu are at risk of kidney failure.

The study, conducted using a randomised cluster sampling technique across 177 clusters with 5,000 adults, found that 18% of the participants were diabetic, which is higher than the national average. “Tamil Nadu could become the diabetes capital of India. Sixty percent of adults are overweight or obese.

Even without a family history of disease, factors such as climate change and environmental pollution are affecting potential donors. In a nutshell, we live in an era where there are two challenges, increased lifestyle diseases and environmental degradation,” he said.

He added that organ donations have also seen “impressive progress” after honour walks – a ceremonial procession involving doctors, students, and a top-ranking district official, where respects and tributes are paid to the person who donated the organs. “It has become a game changer in organ donation since 2023 and is an act not just for the deceased but also the family,” he said.

In 2024 alone, 268 donors contributed organs, with 1,500 organs utilised. Of these, 54% came from govt hospitals. In comparison, 178 people had donated organs the previous year.

Emphasising the importance of awareness, Gopalakrishnan said students must be actively involved in the programme. The new charter will create groups of student volunteers in each college who will be sensitised to support and facilitate organ donation. “Early exposure will leave a lasting impact throughout their medical careers,” he noted.

Dean of Govt Rajaji Hospital L Arul Sundaresh Kumar said what began as a small group of 15 students has now evolved into a formal students’ charter. “This initiative will enhance sensitisation and spread awareness about organ donation.”