Organ donation is gaining momentum in Kerala, highlighted by inspiring stories of donors and recipients. In 2025, deceased donor numbers more than doubled, offering hope to thousands on waiting lists.
Organ donation is picking up pace in Kerala, illustrated through personal stories of sacrifice and renewal. In 2023, P. P. Devananda, then a 17-year-old Plus Two student from Thrissur, donated part of her liver to her father P. G. Pratheesh, who suffered from non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis. She obtained permission from the Kerala High Court, marking her as likely the first minor to do so in the state. "Time was running out for him, and I was determined to save my father," Devananda recalls.
As of January 28, 2025, 3,261 patients await organs, primarily kidneys (2,450) and livers (659). Akshay Manoj, who began dialysis at age 13 in 2014 due to genetic kidney failure, finally received a kidney in 2025 from brain-dead donor Biljith Biju, who died in a Kochi road accident; eight organs were harvested from him. His brother Anandhu received one in 2024 from another deceased donor.
These back-to-back donations, including six organs from 28-year-old Isaac George in Kollam, sparked over 500 pledges statewide. According to Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO) data, 2025 saw 25 deceased donors yielding 75 organs—41 kidneys, 21 livers, and seven hearts. Over the past 13 years, 403 donors have provided 1,171 organs, with numbers rebounding from a low of eight in 2018 due to rising awareness.
Noble Gracious, K-SOTTO's executive director, highlights hospital-level challenges like reluctance to certify brain death, often leaving initiation to families. More than 50 transplant centers exist, but logistical hurdles persist. Jose Jacob received a liver from his son Rohit, who insisted despite risks. T. R. Manu, who lost both hands in a 2013 train accident, underwent India's first hand transplant in 2015 and now counsels others as a hospital transplant coordinator, having met his wife there.
These narratives underscore stronger family bonds and shifted priorities post-transplant, combating misconceptions and boosting the life-saving practice.