The government has launched a ‘blood-group testing’ drive across India, spanning from health centres in rural areas to blood banks in urban locations, to raise awareness about blood donation.
As India celebrates National Voluntary Blood Donation Day on Tuesday, the Union health ministry has asked states and Union Territories to encourage youngsters to donate blood.
While World Blood Donor Day is a global celebration held annually on June 14, National Voluntary Blood Donation Day is a national celebration held annually on October 1. The objective of both days is similar — to express gratitude to blood donors for their selfless act of saving lives through voluntary blood donation
According to the letter, written by health secretary Apurva Chandra to all states and Union Territories, the objective of this day is to promote the registration of blood donors and create awareness. The ministry has decided to facilitate blood-group testing at all primary health centres, community health centres, sub-district and district hospitals and all other blood centres to help people know their blood group.
“This will help the citizens know their blood group, which will be useful in emergencies for blood donation.”
Chandra explained that this day seeks to inspire more individuals to contribute regularly, by emphasising the importance of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation. “This act of giving not only saves lives but also ensures a continuous and safe supply of blood for those in need. The day also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for blood donations and the profound impact that each donation can have on the health and well-being of others.”
The health ministry has decided the campaign slogan for this year — “Celebrating 20 years of giving: Thank you, blood donors!”
The letter is sent to all ministries, government departments, health secretaries of all states and Union Territories and other senior officials.
Why blood donation is crucial
According to government data, the demand for blood transfusions in India occurs “every two seconds” and “one in three people” will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives. On average, 1.46 crore units of blood are needed annually but the shortfall is way more than manageable.
The government data on the e-Raktkosh website shows there are just 57.64 lakh registered blood donors in India. It shows that in more than two years and nine months, just 56.77 lakh units of blood have been collected which is not even half of a single year’s requirement — which stands at 1.46 crore.
The reason is lack of awareness and myths around blood donation. Allaying the common myths — such as blood donation causes weakness — the central and state governments have been conducting several drives.
A healthy body has five to six litres of blood and can donate every 90 days. An average human body makes blood quickly — plasma volume within 24 to 48 hours, red blood cells in about three weeks, and platelets and white blood cells in minutes. Hence, there is no resulting weakness. However, as per protocol, donors must wait three months between donations.
Dr Sadhana Mangwana, senior consultant and Head, Transfusion Medicine & Immunohematology,
Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, New Delhi, told News18: “Despite advancements in science and technology, there is still no substitute for human blood. Therefore, donating blood is truly a gift of life. A single car accident victim may need up to 70-80 units of blood, highlighting how donations can save millions each year. The process of donating blood is safe and takes only about 10-12 minutes. So, what can you do for humanity? Donate blood.”
What this year’s campaign aims to fulfil
According to the ministry, the campaign will be focused on thanking the “millions of voluntary blood donors who have contributed to the health and well-being of millions of people around the world”.
It will also showcase the national blood programme’s achievements and challenges and share best practices and lessons learned along with highlighting “the continuous need for regular, unpaid blood donation to achieve universal access to safe blood transfusion”.
Most importantly, the day aims to “promote a culture of regular blood donation among the youth and the general public and to increase the diversity and sustainability of the blood donor pool”.
How will the day be celebrated across India?
The Union health secretary, in his letter, suggested an action plan for the events across the country which instructs states and UTs to “aim to maximise the registration of willing blood donors along with optimal blood collection.”
They have also been asked to spread awareness among rural masses, and conduct activities of felicitation of blood donors and pledge-taking ceremonies at the Gram Panchayat level.
Such activities will be organised at the district levels where the office of the district collector or district magistrate may supervise.
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