Gabriel Pereira
For the goan
Every year, National Organ Donation Day is observed on 3rd August to honour the selfless families who donate the organs of their loved ones after brain death and encourage more people to pledge their organs. To me, the day is a reminder that organ donation is one of the greatest gifts of life, offering hope to thousands suffering from end-stage organ failure.
Across India, the demand for organs continues to exceed the availability of donors. Although the country has made significant progress, with nearly 20,019 organ transplants performed in 2025, thousands of patients are still waiting for a second chance at life. India now ranks among the leading countries in organ transplantation, with states such as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat setting benchmarks in deceased organ donation through strong government support and awareness initiatives.
Goa Scenario
Goa has also made progress, but much more needs to be done. Around 80 patients in the state are currently waiting for life-saving organ transplants, mainly kidneys. While Goa has facilitated deceased organ donations in recent years, only kidney and cornea transplants are performed within the state. Other organs, including the liver, heart, lungs and pancreas, are allocated through the national system to transplant centres outside Goa.
In my experience, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of understanding about brain death. Many people believe anyone who dies at home or from natural causes can become an organ donor. However, organs suitable for transplantation can usually be donated only after a patient is declared brain dead in a hospital while on a ventilator. Brain death is legally recognised as death under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act. After family consent, organs can be retrieved through a coordinated medical process, while tissues such as corneas may still be donated after cardiac death in suitable cases.
Building Awareness
To bridge this knowledge gap, I have dedicated myself to spreading awareness about organ donation across Goa as an Organ Donation Ambassador of the MOHAN Foundation. Inspired by a kidney transplant in my family, I have conducted around 200 awareness talks and set up information desks in schools, colleges, hospitals, government departments, community organisations and public events across the state.
In my sessions, I explain brain death, the legal process of organ donation and the importance of discussing one’s wishes with family members. Even if a person has pledged to donate organs, family consent remains essential.
National Network Saving Lives
India’s organ donation programme operates through NOTTO, ROTTO and SOTTO, which coordinate organ allocation, maintain waiting lists, ensure transparency and promote awareness. In Goa, SOTTO works with hospitals and transplant coordinators to facilitate organ retrieval and allocation.
For nearly three decades, the MOHAN Foundation has led organ donation awareness in India by training transplant coordinators, educating healthcare professionals, counselling donor families and supporting governments and hospitals.
Gift That Lives Forever
One deceased organ donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and improve the lives of more than 50 people through tissue donation. This National Organ Donation Day, I urge everyone to move beyond myths, understand brain death, discuss their wishes with their families and become ambassadors of hope.
To learn more, call MOHAN Foundation’s toll-free Organ Donation Helpline at 1800 103 7100 or visit www.mohanfoundation.org. Pledge your organs, share your decision with your family and help give the gift of life.
Because when life ends for one person, it can become a new beginning for many others.
“Don’t take your organs to heaven. Heaven knows we need them here.”
(The writers is an Organ Donation Ambassador, MOHAN Foundation)
