New Delhi, Aug. 14 -- India's current organ donation rate continues to be abysmal, at 0.81 per million, as compared to better faring countries such as Spain where the number stands around 52, according to people familiar with the matter. The organ donation rate, which is the number of deceased donations per million population, is based on figures reported by Indian states and Union territories and compiled by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation. "It is still low when you compare with countries like Spain but the numbers are gradually picking up. Government is working to ensure there is adequate awareness towards deceased organ donation among masses, and it has started showing results," said an official. While addressing the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day last month, Union health minister, JP Nadda, said, "Despite the urgent need there remains a significant gap between the number of patients waiting for transplants and the number of available donors. This gap is not due to lack of willingness but often due to lack of awareness and hesitation rooted in the myths and misconceptions." "India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year, a significant leap from fewer than 5,000 transplants in 2013," he added. As per government data released last month, 63,000 individuals currently need kidney transplants, and around 22,000 liver transplants in India, while the donation rate remains under 1% relative to population....