Key Summary
- Transplanted organs are matched by the recipient's blood type, as well as genetic tissue type, which is why the best match comes from a donor with similar ancestry.
- Between April 2025 and March 2026, there were 26 deceased organ donors of South Asian heritage, while 554 patients of the same ethnicity were awaiting transplants.
- July is South Asian Heritage Month, and NHS Blood and Transplant is calling on people to discuss organ donation.
South Asian heritage patients needing a transplant, especially kidneys, have to wait longer than the UK average due to an acute shortage of organ donors of the same heritage, according to NHS figures.
Last year, the number of patients of South Asian heritage waiting for a transplant was 20 times higher than the deceased organ donors of the same ethnicity.
As the best match is often found from a donor of same ethnic background, this is likely to result in longer wait times for people of South Asian Heritage.
NHS data shows that patients of Asian heritage (including South Asian heritage) are waiting an average of 648 days for a kidney - 20% longer than the UK average of 547 days.
For Asian heritage children the picture is even starker, with a 60% longer average wait of 709 days for a kidney (vs 450).
Between April 2025 and March 2026, there were just 26 deceased organ donors of South Asian heritage, while 554 patients of the same ethnic background are awaiting transplants.
Transplanted organs are matched by the recipient's blood type, as well as genetic tissue type, which is why the best match comes from a donor with similar ancestry.
The tissue match is crucial for kidneys, and people of South Asian heritage are more prone to experience kidney failure.
In March 2026, 86.4% of people waiting on the transplant list were waiting for a kidney transplant, but this number was 90.1% for patients of South Asian heritage.
Fewer donors
The number of Asian heritage donors is below the national average.
Last year, 67% of Asian heritage families in the UK consented to organ donation, compared with 85% for all other ethnic groups.
Donors of South Asian heritage made up just 1.8% of deceased organ donors last year.
On average, more than three people a day died or became too ill for a transplant in the UK over the past decade.
The UK transplant waiting list has reached record levels with over 8,500 people still waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
Kidney transplants
South Asian heritage patients make up a higher proportion of those needing kidney transplants.
They are also more likely to develop diabetes and high blood pressure, which can worsen kidney health.
Kidneys in particular need to be a good tissue match for transplantation compared to other organs, so having fewer donors with South Asian heritage means there are less likely to be kidneys available that are a good genetic match.
Raising awareness
Harpreet Matharu, Regional Head of Nursing at NHSBT, said: “It’s really important that you confirm your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register so your family can be sure of your decision after your death. However, if you can also talk to your family about this, it could help to raise awareness in South Asian communities and spark further conversations.
“We know that families are much more likely to consent when they are aware of their loved one’s decision, and signing the NHS Organ Donor Register is quick and easy. It just takes two minutes.”
July is South Asian Heritage Month, and NHS Blood and Transplant is calling on people to discuss organ donation with those closest to them, and to confirm their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.
