National Eye Donation Fortnight 2025: Gujarat minister flags 1-lakh cornea shortfall
Synopsis
India needs 1.5 lakh corneas a year but receives only 50,000 donations — and just half of those result in successful surgeries. As Gujarat's health minister launched the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight in Ahmedabad, a 12-year-old girl who regained her sight and the family of a young organ donor put a human face on a public health gap that policy alone cannot close.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya launched the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on 25 August 2025 .
India requires approximately 1.5 lakh corneal transplants annually but receives only around 50,000 donated corneas.
Between 25,000 and 30,000 patients successfully regain vision through surgery each year — a fraction of those in need.
Corneas can be retrieved within 3 to 6 hours of death and used to restore sight.
Ahmedabad Civil Hospital was named Best Non-Transplant Organ Retrieval Centre at the 16th Indian Organ Donation Day ; it retrieved 171 organs and 34 tissues in 2025-26 .
12-year-old Urvi and the family of late Zeel Vaghela were felicitated at the event for their connection to life-changing organ donations.
Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya on 25 August 2025 called for a collective push to boost eye donation awareness, speaking at a public programme at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital in Asarwa to mark the launch of the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight. The fortnight, observed annually from 25 August to 8 September, highlights a stark national shortfall: roughly 1.5 lakh people in India need corneal transplants each year, yet only around 50,000 corneas are donated.
The Cornea Gap India Cannot Ignore
Of the approximately 50,000 corneas donated annually, between 25,000 and 30,000 patients successfully regain their vision through surgery — meaning the majority of those in need go without. Pansheriya described eye donation as 'a form of service to humanity,' noting that corneas can be retrieved within three to six hours of a person's death and used to restore sight to those who have lost it. The figures, cited by the minister, underscore why sustained public awareness campaigns remain critical.
What the Minister Said
'Everyone must make a collective effort to create awareness about eye donation and inspire more and more people to donate their eyes,' Pansheriya said at the event. He also pointed to advances in medical technology that have transformed outcomes for common conditions. 'Cataracts, which were earlier regarded as a serious eye disease, can now be diagnosed and treated successfully with timely medical intervention. The government is also undertaking work to address eye-related problems among animals in the state,' he added.
Ahmedabad Civil Hospital's National Recognition
Ahmedabad Civil Hospital was recently honoured as the Best Non-Transplant Organ Retrieval Centre at the 16th Indian Organ Donation Day ceremony — recognition that reflects sustained institutional effort. During 2025-26, the hospital retrieved 171 organs and 34 tissues from 48 deceased donors among 104 reported brain-stem death cases. Pansheriya noted that both Ahmedabad and Surat civil hospitals have earned national standing for their organ donation work.
Human Stories at the Centre
The programme put individual impact front and centre. 12-year-old Urvi, who received the gift of sight through eye donation, was felicitated by the minister. The family of the late Zeel Vaghela was also honoured — her donated heart, valves, eyes, and other organs collectively gave multiple patients a new lease on life. Doctors and hospital staff recognised for their contributions to eye healthcare received certificates from the minister.
Key Developments at the Event
Attendees at the programme took a formal pledge to promote eye donation. Pansheriya flagged off an ambulance donated by Ram-Shyam Charitable Mandal and an eye donation awareness rally organised by the Civil Eye Hospital. Senior officials present included Health Commissioner Ratankanwar Gadhvicharan, Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi, and Spine Institute Director Dr Piyush Mittal, alongside medical experts, beneficiaries, and families of organ donors.
With India's cornea deficit showing little sign of closing on its own, the fortnight serves as an annual reminder that the gap between need and supply is ultimately bridged by individual decisions — and the awareness campaigns that shape them.
Point of View
50,000 donated, barely 25,000-30,000 surgeries completed — is not a medical failure but a civic one, and annual fortnights alone will not close it. The real question is why, after 41 editions of this campaign, the donation rate has not kept pace with the need. Gujarat's hospital-level recognition is commendable, but the structural gap points to the absence of a mandatory opt-out framework or systematic next-of-kin counselling at the point of death — interventions that countries with higher donation rates have long institutionalised. Felicitating individual donors is powerful symbolism; converting that symbolism into policy is the unfinished task.
NationPress
25 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Eye Donation Fortnight?
The National Eye Donation Fortnight is an annual awareness campaign observed from 25 August to 8 September to promote eye donation and highlight the need for corneal transplants across India. This year marks its 41st edition.
How large is India's corneal transplant shortage?
According to figures cited by Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, approximately 1.5 lakh people in India require corneal transplants every year, while only around 50,000 corneas are donated. Of those, between 25,000 and 30,000 patients successfully regain vision through surgery.
Can eyes be donated after death, and how quickly?
Yes. Corneas can be retrieved within three to six hours of a person's death and used to restore sight to those in need. The process does not require prior medical procedures and can be facilitated by hospitals at the time of death.
Why has Ahmedabad Civil Hospital received national recognition?
Ahmedabad Civil Hospital was named the Best Non-Transplant Organ Retrieval Centre at the 16th Indian Organ Donation Day ceremony. During 2025-26, the hospital retrieved 171 organs and 34 tissues from 48 deceased donors out of 104 reported brain-stem death cases.
Who was felicitated at the Gujarat eye donation event on 25 August 2025?
12-year-old Urvi, who received sight through eye donation, was felicitated at the event. The family of the late Zeel Vaghela was also honoured for her organ donation, through which her heart, valves, eyes, and other organs benefited multiple patients.
