Be an advocate for organ donation, spark conversations in our communities: Justice Gavai

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Justice Bhushan Gavai has said that despite advancements in medical technology and awareness campaigns, India still records low organ transplants , which is far below the global average.

This shortage, he said, exacerbates the organ waiting list, leaving many patients without the life-saving transplants they need. Gavai was addressing the 34th Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Organ Transplant (ISOT) held in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

The Supreme Court Justice said organ donation is not just a medical procedure but it is a profound act of humanity, one that offers hope and a second chance at life to those in need. “However, as we move forward, we must strike a delicate balance between saving lives and ensuring the dignity of all the parties involved. The urgency of saving lives must not overshadow the ethical considerations that protect the autonomy, consent, and rights of both donors and recipients,” he added.

Justice Gavai urged everyone to advocate for organ donation, to spark conversations in our communities, and if possible, to make the selfless decision to donate. “Every donation is not just a gift of life but a testament to the value of compassion and respect for human dignity. It also makes a huge difference when people of power and status decide to donate their organs. When they act for the cause of society, it influences the society as a whole,” Gavai said.