Hyderabad: Despite Telangana featuring among the leaders in organ donation , six out of every seven children registered for a transplant in the state between 2013 and 2026 failed to receive an organ, official Jeevandan records show.
Because families are not counselled in time or remain unaware that one donor can save multiple lives,” said Dr Sree Bhushan Raju, nodal officer, Jeevandan, many potential donors are lost. “Greater family participation is also crucial.
Only 42 of the 300 registered children underwent transplantation (about 14%) over the past 14 years, while at least 130 children (43%) died, according to the data. Between 2013 and 2026, the Jeevandan programme received registrations for 186 liver, 84 kidney, 18 heart and 12 lung transplants involving children — among the highest across organ categories.
Another 81 remain “active patients” waiting for a transplant, while 47 have been classified as “inactive patients” after they did not opt for a transplant despite registering. Officials and health experts point to key challenge leading to this gap: mismatch between available organ sizes and the health of children awaiting transplants. However, the health of many children deteriorates while they wait for a suitable organ. “Even major hospitals lack adequate expertise in paediatric transplantation and post-transplant care. Also, families with children who benefit from transplants often do not come forward to promote organ donation,” a Jeevandan official stated. Experts also suggested that awareness campaigns go beyond generic messaging and involve schools, colleges, religious institutions, community leaders and NGOs.