The World Blood Donor Day asserts the importance of blood donation in saving lives. In a medical ecosystem, voluntary blood donors are essential to maintain adequate stores of blood and blood components, which are needed to save the lives of numerous patients. Recently, the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath, has highlighted the already persistent blood shortage in our country, and it is mainly due to a sharp decline in voluntary donors. It is estimated that 13.5 million units of blood are required annually. Even if 1 percent of our population donates blood annually, the requirement can be met. Moreover, each unit of donated blood can save up to 3 lives with packed red cells, platelets and plasma given to different patients.
However, despite being aware about the importance of voluntary blood donation, most people continue to be hesitant about donating blood at all. It is mainly due to the lack of knowledge about the do’s and don’ts of blood donation, both during and after the process.
Also, read: An expert answers the 7 most frequently asked questions on blood donation post-Covid vaccination
Before donating blood, it is important to make sure that you fulfill the eligibility criteria:
It is also critical to understand that some people do not qualify to donate blood. These include:
Potential donors are often concerned that there may be a negative impact on their health after blood donation. Contrary to popular misconception, regular donors actually have a lower incidence of cardiac complications.
After blood donation, the area of the prick should be covered with a bandage for the next several hours. The donor should keep sitting for a few minutes and eat the refreshment provided by the staff as it reduces the risk of dizziness.
Select Topics of your interest and let us customize your feed.
PERSONALISE NOWSo, every year on June 14, on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, let us pledge that no patient or family in India will struggle to get their blood requirement fulfilled.