Türkiye tops organ transplants, urges stronger push for posthumous donations

ISTANBUL, Türkiye (MNTV) — Türkiye has emerged as a global leader in organ transplantation, ranking first worldwide in live donor kidney transplants and second in live donor liver procedures, according to the Organ Transplant Coordinators Association.

Despite these achievements, health experts are raising concerns over the country’s persistently low rates of deceased organ donation, which remain far below national needs, reported Daily Sabah.

“There are over 35,000 patients on the national transplant waiting list, with around 25,000 in need of kidney transplants,” said Nilgün Bilal, president of the Organ Transplant Coordinators Association and transplant coordinator at Akdeniz University’s Tuncer Karpuzoğlu Center. “We’ve made significant strides in live donations, but cadaveric organ donation still lags.”

Bilal attributed the shortfall to ongoing societal hesitation around posthumous donations, noting that despite years of awareness campaigns, the concept remains culturally sensitive for many in Türkiye.

She added that disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and recent earthquakes have further hindered progress, though recent figures offer signs of improvement. 

The rate of organ donations from brain-dead individuals increased from 17.5% in 2024 to 22.5% in the first half of 2025, largely driven by targeted public education and training initiatives.

Antalya currently leads among the country’s nine regional transplant coordination centers in donation rates, followed by Bursa and Samsun, thanks to coordinated efforts among healthcare professionals, NGOs, and local authorities.

While praising the country’s success in live organ transplants, Bilal appealed to citizens to pledge organ donations during their lifetime and communicate their intentions to family members.

“Organ donation is among the most selfless acts,” she said. “Deciding to donate after death not only saves lives—it creates a lasting legacy of compassion.”