Kohima, Oct 26: Nagaland is on the cusp of a major healthcare milestone as work accelerates to establish the state’s first organ donation and transplantation programme, along with an eye bank, at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK). However, a new study has found that public mistrust over organ misuse, religious uncertainty and family hesitation could pose significant challenges to the initiative.
The Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey, conducted by the MOHAN Foundation among 150 adults in Kohima between May and July 2026, highlights a striking gap between public awareness of organ donation and personal willingness to donate.
The study found that 86.7% of respondents had heard of organ donation, but only 42.3% demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of the subject.
Concerns about organ misuse were widespread, with 79.1% of respondents fearing that donated organs could be misused sometimes or frequently. While 75.4% supported promoting organ donation in their communities, 49.2% remained undecided about approving the donation of a loved one’s organs.
Religious uncertainty also emerged as a key concern. Although 58.5% believed their faith allowed organ donation, 37.7% were unsure whether their religion permitted the practice.
The survey found that 65.4% of respondents had heard of brain death, but only 39.2% knew that it is legally recognised in India for organ donation. Awareness of donor cards was also low at 23.1%, although 48.5% expressed willingness to carry one.
The internet and online platforms were the leading sources of information, cited by 63.1% of respondents. Television followed at 36.9%, while friends or colleagues accounted for 31.5% and doctors for 30%.
The findings come at a crucial time for Nagaland’s healthcare sector. A Health Department official familiar with the initiative confirmed that efforts are underway to establish the state’s first kidney transplant facility at NHAK.
Operating theatres are being upgraded with specialised equipment, while nephrology and urology specialists are being engaged alongside visiting consultants. The facilities are expected to become functional in the coming months.
To support the initiative, the MOHAN Foundation expanded its operations to Nagaland in 2026 with backing from the Azim Premji Foundation.
Working with the state Health and Family Welfare Department and NHAK, the foundation is training medical staff, strengthening clinical capacity and supporting the hospital’s renal transplant licensing process.
“The study will help guide future awareness and communication initiatives as the state builds its clinical capacity,” said Pallavi Kumar, Executive Director of MOHAN Foundation (Delhi-NCR) and Project Manager for the Northeast.
The report recommends targeted public education to explain brain death, legal safeguards against organ trafficking and donor registration mechanisms. It also stresses the importance of engaging local religious leaders, community bodies and healthcare workers to address misconceptions and build public confidence in organ donation.
Encouraging families to discuss their wishes about organ donation is another important step towards improving acceptance. The foundation cautioned that the study, based on a convenience sample of 150 Kohima residents, cannot be considered representative of Nagaland as a whole.However, the findings highlight a critical challenge for the state’s emerging transplant programme
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