When was the first liver transplant in India?

The first successful liver transplant in India was performed on November 15, 1998, on a child from Kancheepuram at Apollo Hospital in Delhi.

How many liver transplants does India perform annually?

By 2024, India was performing approximately 4,500 liver transplants each year, one of the highest volumes in Asia.

What are the main challenges for organ donation in India?

India faces challenges with low organ donation rates compared to global averages, with a majority of liver transplants relying on live donors instead of deceased donors.

Home / Health / India's Transplant Triumph: 4,500 Liver Surgeries Yearly

India's Transplant Triumph: 4,500 Liver Surgeries Yearly

22 Nov, 2025

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Summary

India performs ~4,500 liver transplants annually, a significant rise since 2005.
Medical innovations and indigenous drug production lowered costs and improved outcomes.
Low organ donation rates remain a challenge, with a need to increase deceased donors.

India's Transplant Triumph: 4,500 Liver Surgeries Yearly

India's journey in liver transplantation, beginning with a successful procedure in 1998, has seen exponential growth. From a few hundred transplants annually in the mid-2000s, the country now conducts approximately 4,500 such surgeries each year, positioning itself among Asia's leaders. This transformation is fueled by medical breakthroughs, including minimally invasive techniques and expanded transplant types, alongside policy support and the development of skilled medical professionals.