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
.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
If World War 3 happens..., Thyrocare founder voices fear over US participation in Israel-Iran conflict
At a time when global tensions are escalating and whispers of World War 3 seem louder than ever, Thyrocare founder Dr A. Velumani has stepped forward with a sobering and deeply personal reflection. In a world driven by power plays and political one-upmanship, his words cut through the noise, calling out a universal truth: ego, not just weapons, could be the real cause of humanity's downfall. Taking to X, Dr Velumani shared his thoughts against the backdrop of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict . Drawing from decades of personal and professional experience, he remarked that over the last 50 years, he has watched careers, families, and businesses fall prey to the egos of elders—and now sees that same destructive force playing out between nations. Referring to recent geopolitical developments, he said the last 15 days have confirmed a harsh reality: ego continues to triumph over humanity. If a third world war were to break out, he warned, the aftermath would be unimaginably painful for all of humanity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buon Blech: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo His most chilling observation came with a stark reminder of the human cost of war—not in statistics, but in emotion: the idea of "someone else raising your children" is, in his words, the most painful reality for a so-called civilised society. He urged warring nations to drop their egos and choose peace before it's too late.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Crowned as ‘Raja Queens': Odisha's Raja Mahotsav celebrates in Pune, honours womanhood & menstrual health; army doctors & entrepreneurs felicitated
The Kalinga Kala Kendra Trust, in collaboration with the Odisha government, hosted a four-day Raja Mahotsav in Pune PUNE: The vibrant traditions of Odisha came alive in Pune as the Kalinga Kala Kendra Trust, in collaboration with the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Government of Odisha, hosted the four-day Raja Mahotsav at Balgandharva Rangmandir. The event celebrated womanhood, menstrual health, and Mother Earth's fertility through cultural performances, traditional rituals, and community participation. In a statement issued by the organisers, the event was conceptualised by Dr Mamata Mishra, classical dancer and founder-president of the Trust, and aimed to highlight menstruation as a sacred and powerful process. Highlights included Odissi and folk performances, symbolic rituals, Raja-themed recitations, and a grand crowning ceremony of women and girls as 'Raja Queens.' Traditional Odia delicacies such as Poda Pitha and Chhena Poda were served, and swings were decorated with idols of Jagannath, Subhadra, Lakshmi, and Krishna. A second swing honoured the feminine spirit, marking its cyclical connection with nature. Performances included 'Nritya Navaratna,' showcasing nine Indian classical dance forms, and group renditions of Odia cultural songs. A special poem on Operation Sindoor was presented, and two Indian Army doctors — Major Dr Meenakshi Pulgaonkar and Major Dr Anupama Sen — were felicitated for their service. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo More than 50 women were honoured with Tulsi plants, symbolising menstrual wellness. Women entrepreneurs also participated through vibrant stalls, adding to the festival's inclusive atmosphere. Dignitaries from Odisha and Maharashtra attended the event, lending their support to this unique cultural initiative celebrating feminine strength and sustainability.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
'A husband who hasn't cried, an elderly who won't go home': Grief deepens 11 days after tragedy; reactions from victims' kin worry counsellors
AHMEDABAD: Eleven days after AI 171 crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel in Meghaninagar, families of the victims continue to struggle with processing their overwhelming grief, with many displaying unexpected reactions to trauma that have left counsellors concerned. Among the most heartbreaking cases is that of a 27-year-old man who lost his wife in the crash and has been unable to cry even once. The couple married in 2024, their future stretching ahead like an open road filled with possibilities. He flew ahead of her to set up their new home in London while her papers were being processed. "I should have been with her," the guilt-ridden widower has been telling himself repeatedly, too traumatised to come to terms with the loss. During their last conversation, she told him repeatedly not to get delayed and keep her waiting at London Gatwick airport. "So, when he received the news of the crash, he took the first available flight and reached the city, rebuking himself for getting late," said a Civil Hospital counsellor who has been speaking to the family in their time of grief. "He visited the campus for three days to complete the procedures and take home her mortal remains for the last rites. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like configura tu Symbioz full hybrid E-Tech RENAULT Configurar Tu Coche Undo He did not cry, could not cry rather, even once." Considering the nature of the incident, Civil Hospital authorities have appointed counsellors – primarily experienced psychiatrists – to help families cope with the deaths of multiple family members. Dr Urvika Parekh, one of the counsellors, described her most difficult moments in the past 11 days: breaking news of death to a seven-year-old girl. "She came to give DNA sample for identification of the mortal remains. The family could not break the news to her," she said. "Some families have lost multiple family members. The void is hard to fill." The counsellors have encountered several instances where families have been unable to return to their normal lives. A senior citizen, who lost four family members in the crash, has not gone back home. "The emptiness of the house is overwhelming for him, so he has been staying with a close relative for the time being. The same is true for several families as they have just held the last rites of their dear ones and are now finding it difficult to envision life without them," said the counsellor. Dr Parekh explains that there are seven stages of grief – shock and denial, pain and guilt, anger and bargaining, depression, the upward turn, reconstruction, and acceptance and hope. "The nature of the reaction of the relatives has changed over the past 11 days. Earlier, they had some hope that their loved ones may have escaped the crash. But then news came in that there was only one survivor. The next stage is disbelief and denial. We had to deter several grieving parents from seeing their children one last time due to the condition of the mortal remains," she said. Dr Disha Vasavada, another psychiatrist and counsellor, noted the particular difficulty of losing children. "It is tougher to cope with the death of a child than the death of a parent, and one can only imagine the pain of the senior citizens who have lost their children in the crash. In several instances, it may take days or even weeks to process the trauma and grieve for the departed relative," she said. The team will stay in touch with the families, who also have been given the numbers of the counsellors. "In several instances, the relatives gained their composure but could not hold themselves back once the coffins were handed over to them," said Dr Vasavada. "The initial few days of the incident were spent arranging logistics, but when the loss hits hard, handholding is necessary." The psychiatrists draw parallels with early Covid deaths, where the relatives were not allowed to see the deceased "one last time". Not seeing the departed often caused dissonance for the close relatives in search of closure, they add. Dr Rakesh Joshi, medical superintendent of Civil Hospital, said that a team of 10 dedicated counsellors was deployed from day one to assist relatives in going through procedures ranging from providing DNA samples to victim identification to handing over the mortal remains. "The counsellors are stationed at the hospital round the clock. They will be there till all the bodies are handed over," he said.
