In Focus Podcast | Why India struggles with cadaver organ donation

For years, India has struggled to improve its record on deceased organ donation, even as thousands of patients wait for transplants. This is despite data showing strong willingness among people to donate their organs after death.In this episode, we examine two paradoxes in India’s organ donation system.

Why do cadaver organ donations remain low despite high posthumous willingness? And why do women make up a larger share of donors, while men dominate among organ recipients?

We also explore where the system breaks down — from hospital protocols and transplant coordination to family consent at the time of death. We also look at the sharp gender imbalances in donation and receipt.

Guest: Dr. Amalorpavanathan, retired vascular surgeon who played a pioneering role in building Tamil Nadu’s cadaver organ donation programme

Host: Devyanshi Bihani

Edited by Jude Weston

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