Transplants: Lombardy leads Italy, but donation culture must grow

Transplants: Lombardy leads Italy, but donation culture must grow

Lombardy confirmed its leadership in Italy for the number of transplants performed: in 2025 there were 916 procedures, followed by Veneto (770) and Piedmont (534). Across the country, transplants amounted to 4,583 in 2025, placing Italy among the top European nations by volume.

• The figures were discussed at the conference "Organ donation and transplantation, towards a new season" held at Palazzo Lombardia, promoted by Italian Health Policy Brief with the Lombardy Region and under the patronage of the Ministries of Health and Economy.
• Participants included institutions, IRCCS research hospitals, universities, scientific societies, regulatory bodies, patient associations and representatives from the innovation sector.
• The meeting highlighted a shared priority: enhance the culture of donation, strengthen technological innovation and increase transplant volumes to reduce lengthy waiting lists.

Despite encouraging results, waiting lists remain substantial and often incompatible with many patients' clinical conditions. Experts call for public awareness campaigns, investments in technologies that speed up donation and transplant pathways, and better coordination among centers to optimize resources.

Call to action: bolster solidarity and innovation to turn high numbers into quicker, more effective responses to patients' needs.