Tamil Nadu will receive the award for the best performing State in cadaver organ transplantation during an event in New Delhi on August 3, said Minister for Health K.G. Arunraj on Sunday (August 2). He said the State would dedicate the award to all the donors and their family members.

The Minister said the State should spread more awareness on cadaver organ transplantation as many still believe that the body will be disfigured after organ donation, which is incorrect.

“Though Tamil Nadu is leading in the transplantation programme, the demand for organs [for needy patients] still remains high. We are fulfilling only 7% of the total demand for kidney transplantations. The corresponding figure for transplantations of liver, heart and lungs is less than 2%,” said Dr. Arunraj, after attending ‘Life After Life 2026’, a felicitation programme for the family members of cadaver organ donors at Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH) in Coimbatore.

The Minister said road traffic accidents continue to be the major reasons for loss of life, especially that of youth, in Tamil Nadu. It is the responsibility of the State to save their lives. He said the State was taking efforts to roll out a scheme to offer first aid and CPR training to persons like shopkeepers at places identified as accident hot spots.

Dr. Arunraj also inaugurated a ‘deceased organ donor wall of honour’ at the hospital. KMCH chairman Nalla G. Palaniswami, executive director Arun N. Palaniswami, medical director A.N. Murugan, senior consultant neurologist P. Baskar, consultant intensivist S. Yuvaraj and consultant anaesthesiologist D. Arun Kumar participated.

Published - August 02, 2026 09:02 pm IST