A single brain dead person could save the lives of two patients requiring kidney transplant, said nephrologist Dr Debashis Banerjee on the occasion of World Kidney Day today.

"If the organs of a brain dead patients are used for transplant, it would cost around Rs 10,000 against the current Rs 1.5 lakh," he said.

Pointing to the fact that at least one of five accident victims each day turned out to be brain dead,Banerjee said at least 50 lives could be saved a month if the kidneys of such patients were used.

Cadaver kidneys can be implanted within 48 hours ofextraction, Banerjee, a kidney and liver transplant surgeon of Apollo and AMRI hospitals said.

"Kidney transplant is being done in nine hospitals in the metropolis, but none of them are interested in transplanting kidneys from the brain dead," he said at the meet organised by the Indian Association of Kidney Patient.

The head of the Nephrology department of Belle Vue Clinic Dr A R Nandi, however, said this was not a solution and people should be encouraged to donate a kidney, as a healthy person needs only one to lead a normal life. He also suggested that kidney donors be provided insurance cover to keep them away from racketeers.