Doctors say India needs lifelong blood donors, not just volunteers

Team L&M

Every two seconds, someone in India needs blood. It could be a mother during childbirth, a child battling cancer, or a young victim of a road accident. Yet, India continues to face a massive shortfall in blood availability, over 1 million units each year, despite hundreds of thousands of volunteers. Doctors are now urging for a more sustained and informed movement around blood donation, beyond token observances.

According to official data, India requires an average of 14.6 million units of blood annually, but supply falls short by nearly 1 million units, resulting in critical gaps in emergency care. Experts say that while blood donation is safe and simple, myths and lack of awareness continue to discourage voluntary donors, especially in rural areas.

“Blood donation is not just a noble act, it is essential, and irreplaceable. We treat patients with cancer, thalassemia, trauma injuries, and complicated surgeries every day. In many of these cases, timely blood transfusion is the only thing standing between life and death.” said Dr. Harpreet Kaur, Head-Lab Services & Blood Centre,, Aakash Healthcare.

There is no man-made substitute for blood. Each donated unit can be separated into red cells, plasma, and platelets, helping up to three patients at once. Still, many hesitate due to misinformation. People think they will feel weak or fall ill after donating blood. That’s completely false. The body replaces the donated volume quickly, and a healthy adult can safely donate every three months.” said Dr Uma Rani, Director – Pathology Asian Hospital.

Experts note that certain patient groups require blood far more frequently. “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,” remarked Dr Liza Bulsara, Consultant – Hemato oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician Jupiter Hospital.

The government has made efforts to streamline donation through initiatives like e-Rakt Kosh, a national blood bank management portal. It helps link donors with hospitals in real time, but experts say digital solutions can only work if people come forward.

“In urban areas, people may still respond to drives. But in rural India, blood donation is still surrounded by stigma. We need education at the grassroots. School programmes, panchayat engagement, and even involving religious and community leaders could make a difference.” explained Dr Sunita Kapoor, Director & Laboratory Head, City X-Ray and Scan Clinic.

Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynaecologist, Obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Clinic said that many women ask if they can donate blood during their menstrual cycle or soon after childbirth. “During menstruation, if you are feeling healthy and your iron levels are normal, it is usually safe to donate. However, after pregnancy, a woman’s body needs time to recover. We usually advise waiting at least six months after delivery before donating blood,” Dr Bajaj said.

World Blood Donor Day, observed every year on June 14, carries the theme this year: “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives” The message clearly highlights how a simple act of donating blood can save lives and shows the power of collective effort in saving lives, said Dr Harpreet.

While the message is powerful, doctors say what’s needed now is everyday action, not just awareness. If even 1 percent of Indians donated regularly, the country’s shortage would disappear, added Dr Harpreet.

Blood should not be donated just on a campaign day. It has to become a habit to overcome the shortage, said Dr Uma.