Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, a leading healthcare institution in Coimbatore, has once again made a global impact in the field of organ donation.
Following its Guinness World Record in 2016—where 13,206 people signed up as organ donors in a single day—the hospital has now achieved a new world record for receiving the highest number of organ donation pledges in three months. From February to April 2025, the hospital received an impressive 45,861 pledges, a record officially certified by the World Records Union.
The official citation was presented to the hospital’s management during a special ceremony held at ITC Grand Chola on Friday, August 8, 2025. Representatives from the World Records Union, Alice Raynaud and Records Officer Shareefa Haneef, presented the certificate to R. Sundar, Managing Trustee of SNR Sons Charitable Trust and Sri Ramakrishna Hospital.
The event was graced by the presence of Ma. Subramanian, Health Minister of Tamil Nadu, and Gopalakrishnan, Member Secretary of the Transplant Authority of the Government of Tamil Nadu (TRANSTAN).
Upon receiving the citation, R. Sundar expressed his gratitude, stating, “This recognition is a tribute to the 45,861 volunteers who pledged to donate their organs. It highlights the importance of a tireless, combined approach using both traditional and technology-driven awareness initiatives to effectively reach the masses.”
He also acknowledged the significant support from TRANSTAN and reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to continuing awareness efforts, recognising that the number of patients waiting for organs still far exceeds the number of donors.
Prahadeeswaran, Coordinator of the program, shared that this record-breaking campaign was launched in December 2024 in collaboration with TRANSTAN and the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO). The campaign was designed to be inclusive, enabling individuals from both India and abroad to voluntarily pledge their organs.
A multi-dimensional promotional strategy was employed to raise awareness effectively. The outreach included on-ground activities such as street plays, pamphlet distribution, and public speeches across the country. Parallelly, a robust digital campaign was executed via social media platforms to engage a wider audience.
To streamline the pledging process, a unique online link and QR codes were developed and circulated widely through social media, posters, and banners at campaign sites, enabling instant digital registration. For those who preferred offline methods, physical registration forms were made available at hospitals, educational institutions, and public events.
The campaign received an overwhelming response from across India, with notable international participation. Tamil Nadu led in the number of pledges, reflecting the deep trust and awareness cultivated by Sri Ramakrishna Hospital in the region. Kerala followed closely, with strong support from educational and social organizations.
Most donors pledged to donate multiple organs, with a significant number opting for complete organ and tissue donation. The most commonly pledged whole organs included kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, and pancreas. Corneal donations were particularly high, reflecting widespread awareness and acceptance in India. Skin donations also saw notable interest, especially after focused sessions on their importance in burn treatment and reconstructive surgery.
The 18–30 age group made up the largest share of pledges, highlighting the campaign’s successful outreach in colleges, universities, and through youth-focused digital platforms. The World Records Union adjudicators thoroughly verified the donor forms and details before confirming the record after an extensive evaluation.
Dr. Alagappan, Medical Superintendent, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, partners, and participants for their presence and support. He acknowledged their contribution as the driving force behind the success of the event and the hospital’s ongoing mission.
Others present at the event included Ramkumar, CEO; Mahesh Kumar, Chief Administrative Officer of SNR Sons Charitable Trust; and other distinguished guests.
