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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Lack of voluntary blood donations help ‘red market' thrive
1 2 3 Nagpur: As the world observes World Blood Donor Day 2025 under the theme "Give blood, give hope: Together we save lives," Maharashtra's health minister, Prakash Abitkar, directed officials to urgently implement a "No Shortage, No Wastage" policy. The policy aims to ensure timely access to safe blood for patients while also curbing avoidable wastage due to poor coordination. "Blood is a national resource, and its collection, storage, and use must be meticulously managed," said Abitkar during a state-level review of blood services. He noted that seasonal imbalances, such as massive blood collection during national events or birthdays of politicians, often contrast with shortfalls during festivals and summer, creating a mismatch in supply and demand. He directed health authorities to design and submit a comprehensive policy immediately. The state govt also plans to introduce new rules for granting NOCs to blood bank operators and explore NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) in govt blood banks for higher safety. Meanwhile, Dr Sunil Khaparde, former director of NACO and now a city-based national expert on blood safety, raised alarm over India's growing dependence on paid or professional donors, despite legal bans. "With a demand of 1.2 crore units annually, we still fall short by over 30 lakh units. The deficit often drives patients to the underground 'Red Market,' where ethics and safety are routinely compromised," said Dr Khaparde. He stressed that while portals like e-RaktKosh and govt campaigns have made strides, the absence of a centralized national blood collection agency is keenly felt. "Even today, much of our blood supply comes from professional donors or family replacements. Genuine voluntary donation remains under 50%," he noted. Dr Harish Warbhe, medical director of Lifeline Blood Centre in the city, emphasized the health benefits of voluntary donation even for the donors themselves. "Regular voluntary blood donation not only saves lives but also stimulates the donor's bone marrow to produce fresh, healthier blood cells. It reduces iron overload in the body and gives a sense of purpose and community connection. It's a simple act with profound benefits — for recipients and donors alike," he said. India's Blood Gap: Key Facts India needs around 1.2 crore units of blood every year Only about 90 lakh units are collected annually This leads to a shortfall of approximately 30 lakh units each year In the summer months, the shortfall often touches 50%, worsening the crisis India still does not meet the WHO-recommended 1% blood reserve based on the total population Less than 50% of blood donations are truly voluntary; the rest come from relatives if patients Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
With 1.6L units till May, Pune dist ahead in blood donation so far this year
Pune: Pune district has topped the state with 1.58 lakh units of blood donated to banks between Jan and May, this year. Between Jan and May, 2,127 blood donation campaigns were organized in Pune district, data from State Blood Transfusion Council said. Mumbai held 1,651 campaigns and collected 1.27 lakh units. Solapur district came third with 88,000 blood units from 1,276 campaigns. Overall, the state collected 9.81 lakh units through 17,139 campaigns, but the collection is nowhere close to the demand, health department officials said. Dr Purushottam Puri, additional director of the council, health services in Maharashtra, said in 2024, the state collected 21.68 lakh units. This year, in the first five months, 9.48 lakh units of blood was collected, so far. Puri added, "Very few blood donation camps have been held because of college vacations. The demand for blood is always higher than the supply, especially in tier two cities where there is less awareness about blood donation. With increased road accidents and medical emergencies, the demand for blood is going up. More people must donate blood. No healthcare institute can survive without adequate supply." Dr Liza Bulsara, consultant for hemato oncology and bone marrow transplant physician at Jupiter Hospital in Pune, said blood donation should be a lifelong process. "Certain patient groups require blood far more frequently than others. Children with thalassemia may need transfusions every 15-20 days. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or those in ICUs, often depend on a steady blood supply. Each donated unit can be separated into red cells, plasma and platelets. One unit can help up to three patients at once," she added. Health minister Prakash Abitkar, in a statement on Friday, said new rules were needed to issue no objection certificate to institutions setting up blood banks in the state. "No shortage, no waste policy should be implemented so that every needy patient in the state gets blood on time. The feasibility of starting NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) in govt blood banks in the state should be studied and a report should be submitted," the statement added. Steady Rise In Collection In 2020 I 15.46 lakh units In 2021 I 16.73 lakh units 2022 I 19.28 lakh units 2023 I 20.44 lakh units 2024 I 21.68 lakh units (Maharashtra figures I Source: State Blood Transfusion Council) Today Is Blood Donor Day WHO says most people can give blood if they are in good health, blood donation by 1% of the population is minimum need for a nation's basic requirements Ideal age I Between 18 and 65 years with weight above 50kg One unit corresponds with 450 ml of blood The clinical demand was estimated to be 14.6 million units of blood by National Estimation of Blood requirement in India prepared by NACO In 2017,annual collection reported by NACO was 11.1 million units Do not donate blood if your haemoglobin level is less than 12g/dl for women and 13g/dl for men Caption: On Friday, Pune Airport organized a blood donation camp in observance of the World Blood Donor Day Photo credit: Pune Airport Authority Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Lack of blood donations help ‘red market' thrive
slug: World Blood Donor's Day Nagpur: As the world observes World Blood Donor Day 2025 under the theme "Give blood, give hope: Together we save lives," Maharashtra's health minister, Prakash Abitkar, directed officials to urgently implement a "No Shortage, No Wastage" policy. The policy aims to ensure timely access to safe blood for patients while also curbing avoidable wastage due to poor coordination. "Blood is a national resource, and its collection, storage, and use must be meticulously managed," said Abitkar during a state-level review of blood services. He noted that seasonal imbalances, such as massive blood collection during national events or birthdays of politicians, often contrast with shortfalls during festivals and summer, creating a mismatch in supply and demand. He directed health authorities to design and submit a comprehensive policy immediately. The state govt also plans to introduce new rules for granting NOCs to blood bank operators and explore NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) in govt blood banks for higher safety. Meanwhile, Dr Sunil Khaparde, former director of NACO and now a city-based national expert on blood safety, raised alarm over India's growing dependence on paid or professional donors, despite legal bans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo "With a demand of 1.2 crore units annually, we still fall short by over 30 lakh units. The deficit often drives patients to the underground 'Red Market,' where ethics and safety are routinely compromised," said Dr Khaparde. He stressed that while portals like e-RaktKosh and govt campaigns have made strides, the absence of a centralized national blood collection agency is keenly felt. "Even today, much of our blood supply comes from professional donors or family replacements. Genuine voluntary donation remains under 50%," he noted. Dr Harish Warbhe, medical director of Lifeline Blood Centre in the city, emphasized the health benefits of voluntary donation even for the donors themselves. "Regular voluntary blood donation not only saves lives but also stimulates the donor's bone marrow to produce fresh, healthier blood cells. It reduces iron overload in the body and gives a sense of purpose and community connection. It's a simple act with profound benefits — for recipients and donors alike," he said. India's Blood Gap: Key Facts India needs around 1.2 crore units of blood every year Only about 90 lakh units are collected annually This leads to a shortfall of approximately 30 lakh units each year In the summer months, the shortfall often touches 50%, worsening the crisis India still does not meet the WHO-recommended 1% blood reserve based on the total population Less than 50% of blood donations are truly voluntary; the rest come from relatives if patients Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
