Organ Transplants Now Accessible to India’s Poor: Government Increases Financial Aid to ₹15 Lakh By Rotarian Lal Goel
by Prashant Kapadia/NHN
Thanks to a significant increase in government funding, organ transplantation has become a viable medical option for economically disadvantaged patients across India. Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), eligible beneficiaries can now receive up to ₹15 lakh for life-saving transplant procedures.
From Advocacy to Policy Reform
The path to this transformative policy began four years ago at a media conference with Lal Goel on organ donation, the daily program which I host during the pandemic, where I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. C.V. Anand Bose, IAS—then the One Man Expert Commission on Labour and now the Governor of West Bengal.
During the discussion, Mr. Bose noted that the government was offering ₹5 lakh to Below Poverty Line (BPL) patients for organ transplantation. Aware that this amount fell short of covering the actual costs of procedures like kidney and liver transplants, I proposed increasing the limit to ₹20–25 lakh. Mr. Bose expressed interest in the idea and requested a recording of the session, which he later forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office.
That moment of advocacy bore fruit. In response, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved an increase in financial assistance under PM-JAY from ₹5 lakh to ₹15 lakh for poor patients needing organ transplants—a milestone decision in India’s healthcare journey.
Official Announcement and Scope
This policy change was officially confirmed by the then Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written statement to the Lok Sabha on December 8, 2025. He announced that organ transplant procedures, including kidney transplants, are now covered under the PM-JAY scheme.
Additionally, the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) continues to provide up to ₹15 lakh for BPL patients undergoing transplants of vital organs such as the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys.
Holistic Support for Patients
Union Health Minister Mr Jagat Prakash Nadda further elaborated on the expanded support during the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day, held on August 2, 2025, at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre and organised by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), under the aegis of the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
He announced that, in addition to the ₹15 lakh coverage for transplant surgery, the government will also provide post-operative support of up to ₹10,000 per month to cover ongoing medical expenses—an essential provision for long-term recovery and care.
Importantly, kidney transplant packages have now been fully integrated into PM-JAY, significantly easing access for patients who previously faced insurmountable financial barriers.
Bridging the Access Gap
This policy shift is expected to dramatically improve access to private healthcare facilities, where the majority of transplant surgeries take place. As of September 2024, 535 of the 612 registered kidney transplant centres in India were privately operated, accounting for over 75% of annual transplants.
By making private-sector services financially accessible, this initiative marks a major step toward healthcare equity—ensuring that a lack of money no longer stands between a patient and a life-saving transplant.
Conclusion
The increased financial assistance under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and the broader health ministry framework reflects a meaningful commitment to healthcare justice. With sustained advocacy and responsive governance, organ transplants are no longer a luxury for the few but a real possibility for the many.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR : Braj Vibhuti Rotarian Lal Goel is a visionary leader and a driving force in Organ Donation advocacy. As Founder & Charter President of the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International and Chairman of the Organ Donation India Foundation & GYAN, he has been pivotal in raising awareness about Organ Donation across India. He serves on the National Committee for theNational Campaign for Body Organ Donation (NCBOD) and has been recognised globally for his efforts. He is the ex officio member of the Karnataka SOTTO advisory committee. He is the Advisor to the Organ and Blood Donation Committee (Rakt Veer) of Rotary District 3110.His accolades include the Rajiv Gandhi Businessman of the Year Award, Tyag Murt Mata Ramai Ambedkar Samman, Icons of India Award, World Parliament International Award and the White Coat Ceremony honour by Donate Life, USA. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Mangalore University awarded him the distinguished title of ‘One in a Million.