LACK OF AWARENESS, POOR INFRASTRUCTURE, HIGH COST OF TREATMENT & MYTHS ARE KEY REASONS FOR LOW ORGAN DONATION IN INDIA: ROTARIAN LAL GOEL
Jaipur, 5 April 2026:
Rotarian Lal Goel, Founder & Charter President of the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International and Chairman of the Organ Donation India Foundation & GYAN, highlighted that lack of awareness, inadequate infrastructure, high cost of treatment, and deep-rooted cultural and religious myths remain the four primary reasons for the low rate of organ donation in India.
He was addressing Rotarians, members of the Morning Yoga Club, and the Morning Walkers’ Association at Nursery Circle Park, Jaipur, during a unique “Rotary Walk & Talk for Organ Donation” initiative. The program was jointly organised by the Rotary Club Jaipur Royal and the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International.
Welcoming the gathering, Rotarian Poonam Bagadia, President of Rotary Club Jaipur Royal, expressed gratitude to Rotarian Lal Goel for his continued leadership in this life-saving cause. The event was effectively conducted by Rotarian Ravi Kamra, Patron & Founder Member of Rotary Club Jaipur Royal, and seamlessly coordinated by Rotarian Harsh Vardhan, a kidney recipient and Chairman, Organ Donation, Rotary International District 3056 (2026–27).
Elaborating on the challenges, Rotarian Lal Goel stated that nearly 84% of India’s population remains unaware of organ donation, reflecting a critical gap in public education. He further pointed out that, as per NOTTO, only about 15–16% of India’s revenue districts have organ transplant or organ retrieval facilities, highlighting severe infrastructure limitations.
Citing Rajasthan as an example, Rotarian Lal Goel noted that despite strong public willingness, organ transplant facilities remain limited to cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.
On the financial front, he emphasised that while the Government of India’s AB-PMJAY scheme provides coverage of up to ₹15 lakh for economically weaker sections, its implementation across states remains inconsistent and inadequate.
Addressing societal barriers, Rotarian Lal Goel also dispelled common myths and misconceptions surrounding organ donation, urging citizens to move beyond fear and misinformation and embrace organ donation as a noble act that can save up to nine lives.
Among those present were Rotarian Amar Jeet, Founder President of Rotary Club Jaipur Organ Donation; Rotarian Dr Giriver Sharma, kidney recipient and Chairman, Rotary District 3056 (Transplant Games); and Rotarians P. Mittal and B. M. Vijayvergia, along with several other distinguished members.
