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Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Blanket ban on blood donation by trans people, sex workers: Ensuring blood safety is non-negotiable. But stigmatising policies is the wrong way to ensure it
'Imagine you are a transgender person battling dengue fever and urgently need a blood transfusion. Naturally, you turn to your friends and chosen family, many of whom are also transgender. Now, here's the shocking part: They are legally barred from donating blood.' When I said this at a recent dengue conference, the hall fell silent. The audience stared in disbelief. Unfortunately, it is true: In India, under the guidelines issued by the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC), transgender individuals, along with men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers, are permanently deferred from donating blood. The reason cited? A supposedly higher risk of transmitting infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. While 'MSM' and 'female sex workers' are behavioural categories, transgender is a gender identity. It does not inherently indicate high-risk sexual behaviour. Yes, a portion of transgender individuals may engage in sex work — often due to systemic marginalisation — but labelling the entire community as 'high-risk' is not only inaccurate, it's discriminatory. No one wants to contract a life-threatening illness like HIV from a blood transfusion. Ensuring blood safety is non-negotiable. However, safety should be ensured through individual risk assessments, not blanket bans that profile entire communities. This kind of policy plays into the dangerous trope of transgender people as 'AIDS spreaders' — a harmful stereotype rooted in stigma, not science. The transgender community has long been marginalised and was disproportionately impacted by the HIV/AIDS crisis, fighting both a public health emergency and relentless discrimination. While these prohibitory guidelines against trans and MSM groups were adopted by many countries when HIV hit in the '80s, they have been updated with time and new evidence to ensure that safe blood is delivered without senseless stigmatisation. In the UK, these guidelines were revised in 2021; in Canada, in 2022. The US FDA came up with its revised guidelines in 2023, which include a new inclusive screening process that expands blood donor eligibility and eliminates questions based on sexual orientation. The new gender-neutral guidelines have abolished deferral of blood donation from MSM and other communities based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. They now use individual risk-based questions to identify the potential donors with a higher risk of HIV transmission. In contrast, India's NBTC guidelines were last updated in 2017 and still uphold these outdated exclusions. Not only does this perpetuate stigma, but it also ignores the current, medically informed view of HIV transmission. The revised US guidelines highlight important concerns. For example, people on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) may have undetectable levels of HIV in their blood but could still transmit the virus. Similarly, those on antiretroviral therapy (ART) may have suppressed viral loads but are not risk-free donors. These nuances demand in-depth donor histories, not judgemental community-wide bans. Stigmatising policies force people into silence. Individuals from banned communities may feel compelled to lie about their identity to save a loved one's life. That alone is an indictment of the policy's failure. These guidelines have been challenged in the Supreme Court by Nupi Maanbi, a transgender woman, and Santa Khurai from Manipur. Khurai has argued that these guidelines are arbitrary, discriminatory, and unscientific. But the government's lack of seriousness is evident. The case, filed in 2021, languished for years because no lawyer was appointed to represent the government. This apathy on the part of the government, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the National Blood Transfusion Council, and the National AIDS Control Organisation is furthering stigmatisation of marginalised communities while missing out on creating updated guidelines that would allow for more blood donations in India. The Supreme Court has taken a stern view of the matter and asked, 'Are we branding all transgender persons as high-risk? Are we then indirectly stigmatising these communities?' The hypocrisy of labelling an entire community as high risk in the name of 'public safety' was questioned by the Court when it stated, referring to normal vs high risk groups, 'Even so-called 'normal' individuals engage in high-risk behaviour. Why single out entire communities?' It is important to understand that these guidelines are not just about blood donation but about our societal perceptions of a community. Large sections of the medical community have long viewed transgender people as abnormal, mentally ill, perverted, and/or criminal. The transgender community has poor access to healthcare thanks to the systemic barriers of our infrastructure, policies, training, and, most importantly, provider mindsets. However, post the NALSA vs Union of India (2014) judgment, which recognised transgender people and Transgender Persons Act, 2019, there is no room for discrimination against trans people — medically or otherwise. These words by the Supreme Court in the case should guide us: 'Aren't we creating a segregated group? This only deepens stigma, biases, and societal prejudices.' India faces a massive shortfall of blood. An estimated one million units are needed annually to meet the demand. In this context, excluding willing, healthy donors based on outdated, unscientific reasons defies logic and lacks compassion. June 14 was World Blood Donor Day. On this occasion, let's ask our government to revise blood donation guidelines in a way that they are scientific, updated, and aligned with global guidelines without unnecessarily excluding any group of donors or further stigmatising them. After all, blood donation should save lives, not exclude some people or add to the stigma around a few communities. The writer is professor, community medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Jamia Hamdard
Mint
22-05-2025
- Mint
Poco F7 global variant appears on certification site: Specs and launch timeline leaked
The Poco F7 seems to be inching closer to its global debut, with the device recently surfacing on Thailand's NBTC certification website, reported GSMArena. Reportedly, this new listing suggests both the Poco F7 name and its global model number – 25053PC47G – further cementing speculation that a launch is on the horizon. Though the smartphone was initially expected to arrive in late May, recent developments suggest the unveiling may now take place sometime next month. If launched, the F7 will expand Poco's current F-series lineup, which already includes the F7 Pro and F7 Ultra. Based on multiple leaks and the device's model number, the Poco F7 is widely believed to be a global version of the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro, which was launched in China earlier this year, the publication added. If this holds true, consumers can expect a powerful set of specifications. The handset is tipped to feature a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1280x2272 pixels, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and an impressive peak brightness of 3,200 nits. Under the hood, the Poco F7 is expected to house the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, paired with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM and internal storage options ranging from 256GB to a massive 1TB. Camera capabilities are likely to include a 50MP primary sensor, accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide lens. On the front, a 20MP selfie camera is expected to handle video calls and self-portraits. One of the standout features of the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro is its substantial 7,550mAh battery. However, it remains uncertain whether this specification will be retained in the international version under the Poco branding. With certifications stacking up and rumours gaining momentum, it seems only a matter of time before Poco officially unveils the F7 to global markets. The brand appears set to continue its trend of delivering performance-driven smartphones at competitive price points.
GSM Arena
22-05-2025
- GSM Arena
Poco F7 now rumored to arrive in June after new certification
The Poco F7 is coming, that's for sure. It's already been spotted in a bunch of different certifications, and today it's nabbed yet another one. This time it's in Thailand with the NBTC. This certification has once again confirmed the Poco F7 name and its 25053PC47G model number for global markets. The handset is now rumored to arrive next month - back in April we heard it would launch in late May, but apparently that has slipped. According to multiple previous leaks and rumors and also based on its model number, the Poco F7 is very likely to be a rebranded Redmi Turbo 4 Pro, which landed in China last month. If so, then expect the F7 to sport a 6.83-inch 1280x2272 AMOLED screen with 120 Hz refresh rate and 3,200-nit peak brightness, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC at the helm, 12/16GB of RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB of storage, a 50 MP main camera, an 8 MP ultrawide, and a 20 MP selfie camera. The Redmi Turbo 4 Pro has a 7,550 mAh battery, but whether that spec will remain unchanged for international markets remains to be seen. The Poco F7 will join the already available F7 Pro and F7 Ultra. Xiaomi Poco F7 Pro Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra Via
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
SC expresses concern over branding entire community of transgenders as 'risky' blood donors
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed concern on branding an entire community of transgenders as "risky" as blood donors, and asked the Centre address their concerns of discrimination. "Are we going to brand all transgenders as risky and stigmatise them. You cannot say that all transgenders are indulging in sexual activity," said a bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh. The apex court was hearing petition challenging the constitutional validity of Section 12 and 51 of Blood Donor guidelines, 2017, which has imposed a blanket ban on transgender persons from donating blood. The petition also challenged guidelines issued by the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC), which prevented transgender persons, men having sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers from donating blood for being at "high risk" for HIV, Hepatitis B or C infections. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for Centre, said that the guidelines are not intended to stigmatise anyone but have been prepared by NBTC, which comprises doctors and experts, with scientific temper and keeping public health and welfare in mind. To this, the bench remarked that it was worried about the element of discrimination against transgenders and that they have been isolated and excluded. "Just think of something that such feeling does not come, and health standards are not compromised," said the bench as it gave time to the Centre to address transgenders concerns of discrimination without compromising on medical precautions. The apex court said that with changing times, new technologies have emerged and there could be a way out to ensure any possibility of infections is checked and contained. Already transgenders suffer from severe biases and prejudices, does this guidelines not further it, said the bench. ASG Bhati assured the bench that she will raise the court's suggestion to the experts. Bhati also apprised the bench that once blood is donated it goes directly to blood banks and there are vulnerable persons, such as thalassemic patients, who entirely depend on blood banks. "As a group, transgenders are considered a high-risk group the world over, with certain exceptions. There is a period within which infection has to be identified, and the risk window has to be carefully considered. Nobody can claim to have a fundamental right to donate blood. These guidelines must be seen from the perspective of public health as the idea is not to stigmatise anyone," Bhati added. The petition filed by Manipur-based transgender and social activist Thangjam Santa Singh, termed the guidelines unconstitutional for discriminating persons based on gender identity.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
SC questions bar on trans persons as blood donors
The Supreme Court on Wednesday urged the Centre to consult experts for a revision of the country's blood donation guidelines as it questioned the rationale behind excluding transgender persons branding the community 'high risk'. The bench of justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the guidelines issued by National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC) in 2017 which prevented 'transgenders, men having sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers' from donating blood for being at 'high risk' for HIV, Hepatitis B or C infections. 'What is worrying me is are we going to brand all transgender persons as risk, thus, indirectly stigmatising the transgender is something only experts can advise,' the court observed. The Centre, represented by additional solicitor general (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, said that the guidelines were not intended to stigmatise anyone but have been prepared with 'scientific temper' by NBTC which comprises doctors and experts in the field. The court responded saying, 'What worries us is the element of discrimination. They have been isolated and excluded. Just think of something that such feeling does not come and health standards are not compromised.' The court pointed out that with changing times, new technologies have emerged and there could be a way out to ensure any possibility of infections is checked and contained. 'The question we need to ask is, are we creating a segregated group. Already transgenders suffer from severe biases and prejudices. Does this (guidelines) not further it,' it observed. While ASG Bhati said that she will go back to the experts on the court's suggestion, she argued that the guidelines must be viewed in light of the country's public health requirements and the available testing mechanisms across the nation. 'These guidelines must be seen from the perspective of public health as the idea is not to stigmatise anyone,' she said. In response, justice Kant noted that the court was consciously refraining from expressing any personal views on the matter and does not intend to override the expertise of medical professionals. The court, however, also recognised that transgender individuals already face significant bias and prejudice in society. 'Are we creating a kind of segregated group?...transgenders already suffer biases and prejudices,' justice Singh noted. The judges observed that a solution must be found that ensures that the transgender community is not unfairly stigmatised, while also maintaining the necessary safety measures for blood donations. 'You please talk to them that what can be way out that as a community they are not stigmatised, and at the same time safety measures remain in force,' it orally observed.
